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Job Access, Agency Cost, and VMT Impacts of Offering Microtransit alongside Fixed-route Transit

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Listed:
  • Hyland, Michael F. PhD
  • Pike, Susan PhD
  • Hu, Siwei
  • Berkel, Jacob Julius
  • Xing, Yan PhD
  • Saha, Ritun
  • Vander Veen, Geoffrey Hans
  • Yang, Dingtong PhD

Abstract

Public transit ridership has declined in major US cities over the past decade. Integrating traditional fixed-route transit with flexible microtransit has been proposed to enhance ridership, mobility, accessibility, and sustainability. This project surveyed California transit agencies on their microtransit services to identify challenges to integrating them with fixed-route services. An agent-based model combining the two modes of transit was developed to evaluate different operational designs. FleetPy, an open-source simulation tool, modeled microtransit dynamics. The study examined design impacts, such as fixed route headways and microtransit fleet size, in downtown San Diego and Lemon Grove, California. Results showed that while microtransit reduces fixed-route ridership and requires higher subsidies, it significantly boosts job accessibility.

Suggested Citation

  • Hyland, Michael F. PhD & Pike, Susan PhD & Hu, Siwei & Berkel, Jacob Julius & Xing, Yan PhD & Saha, Ritun & Vander Veen, Geoffrey Hans & Yang, Dingtong PhD, 2025. "Job Access, Agency Cost, and VMT Impacts of Offering Microtransit alongside Fixed-route Transit," Institute of Transportation Studies, Working Paper Series qt32v3x9mw, Institute of Transportation Studies, UC Davis.
    • Handle: RePEc:cdl:itsdav:qt32v3x9mw
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Erhardt, Gregory D. & Hoque, Jawad Mahmud & Goyal, Vedant & Berrebi, Simon & Brakewood, Candace & Watkins, Kari E., 2022. "Why has public transit ridership declined in the United States?," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 161(C), pages 68-87.
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