Microtransit

Microtransit is a demand-responsive, technology-enabled public transportation service, typically using smaller vehicles like vans, shuttles, or shared autonomous vehicles, to provide flexible, point-to-point, or dynamically routed transportation within a defined service area. It aims to address gaps in traditional public transit, offering convenient and affordable transportation options, especially in low-density areas or during off-peak hours, and often involves app-based booking and real-time tracking. It can integrate with existing transit networks, creating a seamless multi-modal experience.

Microtransit meaning with examples

• In a suburban neighborhood, microtransit shuttles are dispatched based on real-time passenger demand, improving access to a regional rail station and reducing the need for individual car trips. This on-demand service addresses the 'last-mile' problem often associated with public transit.
• A city uses microtransit to provide on-demand transport to and from a new industrial park, connecting workers with residential areas that lack robust public transit. The service is optimized for efficiency and speed.
• Rural communities leverage microtransit to improve transportation options for seniors and people with disabilities, providing an accessible and flexible alternative to fixed-route buses, allowing access to key community services.
• After midnight, when the regular bus service ends, a microtransit program offers rides on electric vans throughout the urban center, offering convenience while providing the city with safety benefits.
• The city's public transit agency partnered with a private mobility provider to introduce microtransit, integrating its service with its existing app to provide users with various travel options.