Just in time for the new school year, Sunnyvale launched its new citywide low-cost ride service, BEAM, on Aug. 18. A Sept. 1 ribbon-cutting ceremony gave the service its official inauguration.
“Today’s event was about celebrating the launch of this new service for the city — it’s brand new,” said Sunnyvale Chief Public Information Officer Jennifer Garnett. “It’s only been operating since Aug. 18, so barely two weeks old. Today was our big celebration to mark the launch.”
BEAM is an on-demand, door-to-door ride service run by Via, the company that also runs Peery Park Rides, a separate free shuttle serving the Peery Park business district. The service was initiated last February, when the city received a grant that covers half the $8.35 million cost of operating BEAM. Rides are $3.50…