Demand-responsive transit and microtransit can benefit public health by improving accessibility. Microtransit services are often more direct or even door-to-door and can serve users with limited mobility. They typically target users whose transportation needs are not met by traditional public transit, including shift workers, low-income individuals, the elderly, disabled, and communities with low levels of fixed-route public transit service [1], [2]. A study on demand-responsive microtransit programs’ return on social investment found that social benefits can outweigh costs by 4 to 6 times, due to their ability to increase access to essential services, foster social inclusion, and improve sustainability [1].
While there are some case studies on microtransit programs, there is limited research on public health impacts. Additional research is needed to understand the extent to which microtransit can meet transportation needs that are not filled by public transit, and how it can best serve different populations and uses, and how it impacts public health. Some of this research is in progress. For example, the "Safety and Public Health Impacts of Microtransit Services" research initiative at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is currently evaluating safety and public health impacts of microtransit services [3].
Finally, on-demand transit/microtransit programs are often meant to improve equitable access, but there is little research on how to design programs to best meet that goal. Survey data from four US cities found that men, younger riders, the highly educated, and transit riders were more likely to be interested in using microtransit. Additional research is needed to understand who on-demand transit/microtransit most frequently serves, and how that impacts public health across demographic groups.