The City of Evansville today announced the expansion of its growing METS Micro transit program into the Jacobsville neighborhood, thanks to a generous grant from Deaconess Health System.
The expansion, which adds .4 square miles and 800 residents to the METS Micro service area, brings the program’s total coverage to 20.5 square miles and 66,900 residents served. It also extends METS Micro access to several key destinations including the Civic Center, Ford Center, Victory Theatre, CK Newsome Center, Old National Events Plaza, Denton Federal Building, USPS, and Deaconess Midtown Hospital.
Originally launched as a pilot in 2023, the METS Micro program has rapidly grown in both ridership and reach. As of September 1, 2025, METS Micro had provided 38,688 rides this year, up from 22,674 during the same period in 2024.
“Reliable, affordable transportation is a basic need,” said Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry. “With this expansion, more Evansville residents can get to vital services, jobs, and schools without added financial strain. I appreciate Deaconess for partnering with us to make transit more convenient and affordable for the families we serve.”
The new zone, which will go live on Monday, September 22, enhances mobility options for residents of Jacobsville while connecting more Evansville residents to vital services, civic spaces, and job centers.
Todd Robertson, Executive Director of Transportation & Services, called the expansion a reflection of the program’s mission to better meet the needs of underserved communities.
“Our goal with METS Micro has always been to fill in the transit gaps – to make it easier for people to move around their city,” Robertson said. “This expansion helps us do just that, bringing flexible, on-demand service to more residents and key destinations, thanks in large part to the generosity of Deaconess.”
“Access to reliable transportation is directly tied to access to health care, jobs, and community resources,” said Dr. Brad Scheu, President of Deaconess Central Region. “At Deaconess, we know that health doesn’t begin or end at the hospital doors—it’s shaped by many factors, including whether someone can get to an appointment, a workplace, or the services that help them thrive. We’re proud to partner with the City to expand METS Micro and help make Evansville a healthier, more connected community.”
METS Micro rides can be scheduled via the METS Micro app or by phone, offering affordable, curb-to-curb transportation within the zone. Details on the expanded service area, including zone maps and how to ride, are available at https://city.ridewithvia.com/metsmicro
