Micro-transit: A Flexible and On-Demand Solution for Community Transportation

What is Micro-Transit Service?

As per the US Department of Transportation, micro-transit services encompass both publicly and privately owned shared transportation systems. These systems may incorporate fixed routes and schedules alongside flexible and on-demand transit options. The vehicles utilized can vary from shuttle vans to multi-passenger vehicles and buses. Consider the shuttle services commonly found at airports, transporting passengers to hotels. Now, envision a scenario where you could summon a shuttle back to the airport on demand and share the ride with others. This exemplifies the essence of contemporary Micro Transit Systems.

Origin of Micro-Transit Services

The origin of Micro-Transit services can very well be traced to the dollar vans, minibusses, and Google Shuttle Services of the 2000s. Once IT and GPS services like Google Maps came into existence, the giants in Silicon Valley started to operate their own shuttle services on fixed routes to and from the IT Park. Some 10 years down the line with the advent of smartphone technology, companies like Leap Transit and Chariot saw opportunities to further leverage consumer services through these smartphone applications. Hence what we today know as Micro Transit Service was born.

Recent Developments and Scope of Micro-Transit Services

Numerous public transit agencies are facing a decline in the number of passengers as well as revenue. A multitude of companies are offering Micro-Transit services in different capacities at this point in time. Some of these services include  point to point transportation service, door-to-door on-demand service, on-demand transit service, origin to destination service, transportation services to work, and door to door transportation services. This shows that corporates of the modern day have stepped up to offer transportation services to increasingly populated suburban and urban areas with a touch of personalized services added to it. 

How Micro-Transit Systems are Different from Other Modes of Transportation

There are numerous similarities as well as differences that one can quote in how the Micro-Transit systems are owned and operated when compared with other modes of Public Transportation. Under this section, we’ll focus on some basic differences between both the systems.

• Smaller and more compact in size: Unlike traditional public transportation systems such as buses, micro-transit systems feature smaller vehicles tailored to their capacity. This personalized approach not only reduces maintenance costs but also ensures quicker transportation with fewer stops.
• Online booking system: Thanks to advancements in information technology, micro-transit systems offer instant online booking capabilities. This seamless booking process has significantly contributed to the popularity and demand for these systems.
• Cost-effectiveness: Micro-transit systems are a cost-effective alternative, particularly in low-density urban areas where maintaining large bus fleets can be inefficient. By employing smaller vehicles with lower maintenance requirements, these systems can efficiently serve specific areas without the inefficiencies of underutilized large buses.

Delivery Models of this Concept

This new model of public transportation can be implemented in different delivery models such as public-private partnership, combined mobility services and even a private enterprise model.

• Public-Private Partnership

Benefits of PPP

• • Allows local governments, transit authorities and private enterprise to collaborate and leverage their strengths 
  • May help expedite systems that benefit the public good (i.e. accessibility, GHG reduction)
• Combined Mobility

Benefits of Combined Mobility

• Can serve to aggregate existing options, making it easier for consumers to plan efficient trips 
•  Can result in data that is useful to transportation planning 
• Can be designed to incentivize more sustainable choices
• Helps families manage travel  without owning a vehicle

Private Enterprise

Benefits of Private Enterprise

• Potential to augment transit networks by backfilling low density and underserved areas
• Can be rapidly implemented to meet areas of high demand; costs are borne by private sector
• Allows market to innovate freely

Source: Mobisoft