On-demand microtransit programs address four aspects of equity: geographic, temporal, economic and social equity. First, microtransit expands transit service by providing flexible routes in lower-density suburban and rural areas where fixed-route services are inefficient or cost-ineffective. Second, microtransit fills gaps in transit operating hours, such as late nights or weekends. Third is economic equity. Microtransit programs are often specifically designed to facilitate commutes and provide a lower-cost alternative to private driving to get to work [2]. Lastly, microtransit placed in disadvantaged neighborhoods can improve mobility access for people who can least afford cars, or people who face mobility barriers, such as elders, low-income individuals, and people with disabilities [3]. Findings are mixed as to whether microtransit programs offer a first-last mile solution to enhance transit ridership, or replace transit trips. Ridership outcomes depend on the specific demands and existing transportation alternatives [1].

References

  1. 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

  2. J. Volinski, “Microtransit or General Public Demand-Response Transit Services: State of the Practice,” Transportation Research Board, Washington, D.C., Apr. 2019. doi: 10.17226/25414.

  3. A. M. Liezenga, T. Verma, J. R. Mayaud, N. Y. Aydin, and B. van Wee, “The first mile towards access equity: Is on-demand microtransit a valuable addition to the transportation mix in suburban communities?,” Transp. Res. Interdiscip. Perspect., vol. 24, p. 101071, Mar. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.trip.2024.101071.

Related Literature Reviews

See Literature Reviews on Demand-Responsive Transit & Microtransit

See Literature Reviews on Social Equity

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.