Microtransit
This article is about technology informed Demand-Responsive Transit systems for small vehicle fleets and its various public and private partnerships therein. For information on shared, non-motorist systems, see Micromobility. Other concepts to consider:
- Mobility on Demand
- Ridesharing
Overview[edit | edit source]
Microtransit is a coined term for a type of demand-responsive transport (DRT) that deploys small vehicle fleets based on demand.[1] This demand is initiated via a web or telecommunication-based system that alerts operators that a trip is needed. This system differs from its “Mass transit” counterpart by altering its trip route based on requests, compared to using a fixed route and schedule. The differentiator of Microtransit when compared to typical DRT systems (such as Paratransit or subscription services) is its usage of human-operated and/or autonomous “minibuses” or small vehicles designed to carry a limited number of riders per trip to and from common drop off points. [2] In recent years, the definition of Microtransit may blend into the concept of Ridesharing (e.g. Uber and Lyft) or a quasi-public service arranged between a public agency and private transit company. [3]
Spectrum of Transit via Medium Blog Post
Historical Context[edit | edit source]
Microtransit is an evolution of DRT which is a modernization of for-hire transportation services (later made public) that can be linked origins in the 17th century.[4] DRT in tandem with transportation innovations such as the taxicab and fixed-route bus systems, and become increasingly significant among rural communities needing demand-driven transport. Technologically, DRT systems generally operate using Fleet Telematics Systems (FTS) which originated in commercial supplying dispatching.[5]
Implications[edit | edit source]
- Rural and disadvantaged communities aim to benefit from Microtransit through on-demand access to goods and services.[6] Depending on the locality, transport services may be carried through third-party nonprofit entities looking to increase a particular community to healthcare services, social services, grocery stores, and employment opportunities. These implications also apply to persons with disabilities.[7]
- Mass transit ridership is decreasing year to year which may have an impact on the availability and overall structure of this service.[8] As a result, Micromobility may supplement or even supplant this system through transit agency partnerships or consumer preference. Equally, there is evidence to suggest that Microtransit travel is more compatible with other mobility services through technology integration and diversity of modes.[9]
- Advances in technology, particularly autonomous vehicles, will lend to the enhancement of Microtransit and appears to be the future of the field. The Case Studies section below highlights significant pilot projects that promote autonomous and manned Microtransit pilots.[10]
Case Studies[edit | edit source]
More Info Forthcoming
- Equity and Shared Mobility Services: Working with the Private Sector to Meet Equity Objectives, 2019
- Examples of Mobility on Demand Policies and Public-Private Partnerships to Increase Accessibility
- Maryland DOT issues RFP for microtransit/on-demand transit to complement existing bus route, Maryland, Jan 2020
- Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Transit Vehicle Pilot Program, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2019
- Orlando community’s first autonomous vehicle now in service in Lake Nona
- Beep deploys first 3D-printed AV shuttle in Jacksonville, FL
Players in the Field[edit | edit source]
More Info Forthcoming
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See Also[edit | edit source]
More Info Forthcoming
External Resources[edit | edit source]
More Info Forthcoming
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/604.3
- ↑ https://www.transit.dot.gov/regulations-and-guidance/shared-mobility-definitions
- ↑ http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/174653.aspx
- ↑ https://archive.org/details/earlycarriagesa00gilbgoog
- ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fleet_telematics_system
- ↑ https://www.nap.edu/read/14330/chapter/3
- ↑ https://learn.sharedusemobilitycenter.org/casestudy/mod-and-accessibility-policies-and-programs-2020/
- ↑ https://www.apta.com/research-technical-resources/transit-statistics/ridership-report/
- ↑ https://learn.sharedusemobilitycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/MaaS-Policy-Brief_09.16.20_FINAL.pdf
- ↑ https://avfutures.nlc.org/sustainability/