For the first time in history, a greater proportion of the world’s population is living in urban areas. This majority currently stands at 55% and is projected to rise to 68% by 2050. While urban growth signals great economic progress, it comes with a catch: inequalities could deepen if access to crucial economic resources ─ such as jobs and education ─ are restricted, unless cities can plan for equitable accessibility. 

In bustling urban landscapes, public transportation services play a pivotal role in the distribution of economic resources and social capital. As cities expand, demand for transit service and infrastructure development will rise. Yet, traditional public transit systems are often crammed, congested, confusing, or out of reach, leaving those on the fringes of transport networks stranded. The inadequate coverage of transit networks has prompted the development of alternative models to better serve the evolving needs of diverse urban populations.

the rise of microtransit

Microtransit, an innovative concept gaining global traction, offers an efficient and flexible complement to traditional public transit services. It is hailed as the intersection between public and private transport mediums, offering riders flexible, on-demand transportation options. Compared to a fixed-route bus, microtransit vehicles are only on the road when there is demand. It also reaches underserved communities that lack route stops or connections, expanding transportation access across regions without straining government transit budgets. 

Microtransit services are also differentiated from ride-hailing platforms such as Uber and Lyft, as they are integrated into the public transit network. Well-planned services provide seamless access to various modes of transportation through a one ticket purchase, allowing riders to board at a train station after a shuttle ride. Logistics involving route and fee calculations are managed by the different transit platforms involved. That’s why microtransit is largely regarded as a first- mile-last-mile solution, as it fills in gaps between departure and destination points. Particularly for those who are not situated along public transportation routes or take frequent connections, microtransit solutions greatly reduce commute times and enhance accessibility. 

In recent years, several US companies have led the development of microtransit networks in communities across the country. A prominent American microtransit provider, Circuit, leverages small electric shuttles that can be hailed using Circuit’s app. These shuttles are supported by route optimization, which helps to reduce congestion, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance access to mobility services. Similar shuttle services offer a holistic approach to meeting riders' on-demand transportation needs, such as Via shuttles that boasts an impressive “40.8% of Via-powered microtransit rides <replaced> trips previously served by private vehicles in 2022.” 

Even in densely populated areas, microtransit prevails as an efficient form of short-distance travel. The average American commuter spends 17 hours per year seeking parking, amounting to $345 per driver in wasted time, fuel, and emissions. These costs jump in large metropolitan areas, where drivers in New York spend 107 hours commuting and $2,243 annually. Especially for the 35% of trips in the US that are under one mile, microtransit services can help alleviate unnecessary costs. Drivers in the UK face similar challenges, costing the economy over £23.3 believes there is an opportunity for expansion overseas. This endeavor would involve close collaboration with city and government partners to create community-level microtransit programs for congestion alleviation while promoting sustainability and accessibility. 

too good to be true? A look at alternatives

To promote the use of alternative services to private-transportation, micro-transit services should be developed in conjunction with investments in micro-mobility programs. These projects, utilizing small vehicles, motorized scooters, and e-bicycles operated by the user, are integrated into the existing mobility space. However, pilot projects in the US have stirred concerns regarding the cost and availability of micro-mobility services, which may be a barrier for economically insecure individuals. But for those without access or the ability to operate a personal vehicle, notably youth, senior citizens, and economically marginalized groups, micro-mobility devices remain significantly more affordable than car ownership. Moreover, the integration of investments and subsidies in these programs alongside public transit systems would soften rider costs. 

For instance, Italy adopted subsidies of up to €500 towards individual bicycle purchases to stimulate eco-friendly transportation options post-pandemic. This effort was complemented by plans of extending bike paths in Milan and Rome. Similarly, Portugal carried similar financial incentives for the purchase of e-bikes and published the National Strategy for Active Mobility in 2019, detailing goals in the next decade of increasing cycling infrastructure to 10,000 km and reducing road accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists by 50%.  

Despite government interventions in promoting microtransit adoption, regulatory barriers and public transit must be addressed to fully realize its benefits. Policymakers play a critical role in supporting and branding micro-transit initiatives and prioritizing accessibility in the development of future mobility solutions. Given the backdrop of rapid urbanization, environmental concerns, and inequality crises, microtransit developments emerge as promising avenues for promoting equitable access to economic opportunities and social resources for all. As cities continue to evolve, investments in public transportation innovations serve as key building blocks to creating a more sustainable and inclusive urban future.