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MetroAccess customers will gain around-the-clock help booking and managing trips beginning Wednesday, March 18, when a new digital assistant starts handling routine requests by phone.

Callers will use the same MetroAccess number as before, but they will first connect with the automated assistant. It can book trips, cancel rides and provide trip-status information without requiring customers to wait for an agent. Callers who need additional assistance can still transfer to a live representative.

The service will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Customers may book outside regular reservation hours when their pickup is at least 32 hours away, or beyond the day after tomorrow.

Metro Chief Operating Officer Leroy Jones said the tool responds to customers seeking quicker answers and greater flexibility. He said it should eliminate waits for many common requests and make travel planning easier.

The assistant can also send trip details by text message.

Customers booking a ride should have their customer ID and date of birth ready, along with pickup and drop-off locations. They will also need to specify whether the trip is based on a pickup or appointment time, the number of travelers, any mobility-aid requirements and instructions for the driver.

For cancellations or trip-status checks, callers should be prepared to provide their customer ID and date of birth.

Customers can also manage rides with the MyTransit Manager mobile app. Its features include real-time trip monitoring, vehicle locations displayed on a map, arrival alerts, ride ratings and the option to share trip status with relatives or caregivers.

The app is available for iOS and Android through the Apple App Store and Google Play.