Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Practices. Topic SB-41. Microtransit Solutions in Rural Communities: On-Demand Alternatives to Dial-A-Ride Services and Unproductive Coverage Routes

The objective of this synthesis is to document the current state of practice of transit entities that have implemented on-demand services in rural settings. Information to be Gathered shall include (1) Examples of different on-demand service models to include (1) services where the rural community and transit provider retain adequate levels of control and command; and (2) where rural transit agencies rely more on private on-demand vendors – the research will examine transit agency (and vendor) roles for booking and dispatching trips, operations, the provisions of vehicles, dispatching technology, customer support, and other functions. (2) Service designs and scheduling/dispatching parameters (e.g., stop locations, trip lengths) given the uniqueness of travel characteristics in rural areas. (3) Supporting technologies in service design. (4) The perspectives and expectations of both customers and agencies as well as the establishment of relevant service quality and service/cost efficiency performance metrics geared to on-demand services in rural settings. (5) Fleet mix in on-demand service designs, including uniform fleets with all Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) or fleets with combinations of WAVs and non-WAVs, while providing equivalent service for persons with disabilities (6) Realized benefits and costs of on-demand services for transit entities (e.g., cost reductions, service efficiencies, equity, customer satisfaction). Recording key decision making metrics (e.g., cost savings, increased ridership, increased access) that led to the creation, sustenance, and continuing evaluation of an on-demand service model.

• Record URL:
  http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=5555
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Contract to a Performing Organization has not yet been awarded.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $55000
• Contract Numbers:

  Project J-07, Topic SB-41

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Transit Cooperative Research Program

  Transportation Research Board
  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC    20001

  Federal Transit Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Project Managers:

  Griswold, Emily

• Start Date: 20231113
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Demand responsive transportation; Micromobility; Paratransit services; Ridesourcing; Rural areas; Rural transit; State of the practice
• Subject Areas: Passenger Transportation; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; Society;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01884763
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Transportation Research Board
• Contract Numbers: Project J-07, Topic SB-41
• Files: TRB, RIP
• Created Date: Jun 9 2023 7:17PM