policy brief

Communities Are Experimenting with Microtransit to Fill Critical Gaps in Public Transit Service – What Have We Learned so Far?

Publication Date

September 1, 2024

Author(s)

Susan Shaheen, Elliot Martin, "Brooke (Schmidt) Wolfe ", Adam Cohen

Areas of Expertise

Public Transit, Shared Mobility, & Active Transportation

Abstract

This brief provides an overview of microtransit service as deployed across California. Microtransit is a technology-enabled transit service that typically employs shuttles or vans to provide on-demand transportation with dynamic routing. While many rides are dispatched and paid via a smartphone, many services also provide a telephone booking option. A few services accept cash payment and street hails (similar to taxis). Variations of microtransit can include fixed schedules and routes and larger or smaller vehicles. Typically, microtransit services are operated by or provided on behalfof a government entity or nonprofit organization, although privately operated microtransit programs also might exist.