Synthesizing Microtransit and Fixed Route Transit via Rider Hand Off to Improve Transit Efficiency

Microtransit programs can improve local mobility, but they often operate separately from fixed route bus networks. This separation can create gaps in connectivity and reduce the potential efficiency of both systems. This project will study how rider hand off strategies, where microtransit vehicles bring passengers directly to fixed route transit, can strengthen system performance. Using data from CTtransit, microtransit logs, and synthetic demand models, the research will simulate multimodal operations and evaluate how pickup schedules and transfer points influence wait times, travel times, and network utilization. The project will develop an optimization framework to identify operating strategies that improve rider transfers and increase the efficiency of both modes. Scenario testing will measure the effects of integration on cost, ridership patterns, and service quality. The results will provide agencies with practical guidance on how to coordinate microtransit and fixed route services in ways that improve reliability and expand access to transit. These findings can support broader efforts to enhance mobility in Connecticut and inform similar initiatives in other regions.

• Record URL:
  • https://www.umass.edu/neutc/projects/synthesizing-microtransit-and-fixed-route-transit-rider-hand-improve-transit-efficiency

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $144,000.00
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3552348301

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  University of Massachusetts, Amherst

  Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
  130 Natural Resources Road
  Amherst, MA  United States  01003
• Performing Organizations:

  University of Connecticut, Storrs

  Connecticut Transportation Institute
  270 Middle Turnpike, Unit 5202
  Storrs, CT  United States  06269-5202
• Principal Investigators:

  Joun Ha, Young

• Start Date: 20260101
• Expected Completion Date: 20261231
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers Program
• Subprogram: University Transportation Centers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Fixed routes; Paratransit services; Public transit; Ridership; Transfers; Travel time; Waiting time
• Geographic Terms: Connecticut
• Subject Areas: Operations and Traffic Management; Passenger Transportation; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01973945
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: New England University Transportation Center
• Contract Numbers: 69A3552348301
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Dec 11 2025 1:47PM