Photo credit: Jaggery, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=110573039
The CSPDC is conducting a microtransit feasibility study, with technical assistance from Kimley-Horn. The kick-off meeting was conducted at the November BRITE Transit Advisory Committee (BTAC) meeting, as the BTAC will serve as the stakeholder group. Microtransit is an on-demand transportation service where riders can request rides via an app or a call to the dispatcher, and service is available within designated areas. Microtransit provides flexibility and additional coverage to service areas and can either complement existing routes or replace underperforming fixed routes. Many microtransit service systems often designate a first/last mile connection to certain routes, so that riders who live within a mile of an existing bus stop can be picked up or dropped off closer to their home.
To assess the demand and feasibility for microtransit services in our region, Kimley-Horn will be analyzing data (such as travel patterns, employment, demographics, passenger and trips counts, route patterns, etc.), past studies and plans, and collaborating with the stakeholder group. Because microtransit services work best when they are implemented to serve the specific needs of a region, community understanding will be critical in creating a study that will serve BRITE transit service area.