The success of demand-responsive transit (DRT) and microtransit programs, measured by ridership, depends in part on land use. Whereas traditional fixed-route public transit services are most efficient in densely-populated areas, DRT/microtransit programs offer a smaller-scale alternative that can prove a more cost-effective solution in lower-density suburban and rural areas [1]. There are some exceptions: DRT/microtransit programs in urban areas are sometimes designed to complement fixed-route transit by providing a first-last mile solution to connect riders to transit, or by offering supplemental services for gaps in the transit network (during off-hours, or expanding the service area) [2]. However, evidence that DRT/microtransit can increase transit ridership in cities is mixed [3]. In rural and suburban areas, however, DRT/microtransit may serve particular demographic groups, such as older adults as a form of paratransit, and commuters who can collectively share a service to a specific jobs center [1]. In areas where vehicle ownership and use is high, and the DRT/microtransit service operates in a limited area, ridership can be low [1].

References

  1. R. Brumfield, “Transforming Public Transit with a Rural On-Demand Microtransit Project,” Federal Transit Administration, 0243, Apr. 2023.

  2. L. Brown, E. Martin, A. Cohen, S. Gangarde, and S. Shaheen, “Mobility on Demand (MOD) Sandbox Demonstration: Pierce Transit Limited Access Connections Evaluation Report,” Federal Transit Administration, 0237, Nov. 2022.

  3. E. Martin and S. Shaheen, “Synthesis Report: Findings and Lessons Learned from the Independent Evaluation of the Mobility on Demand Sandbox Demonstrations,” Federal Transit Administration, 0242, Feb. 2023. Accessed: Apr. 02, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.transit.dot.gov/research-innovation/synthesis-report-findings-and-lessons-learned-independent-evaluation-mobility

Related Literature Reviews

See Literature Reviews on Demand-Responsive Transit & Microtransit

See Literature Reviews on Land Use

Note: Mobility COE research partners conducted this literature review in Spring of 2024 based on research available at the time. Unless otherwise noted, this content has not been updated to reflect newer research.