Description
Expanding and improving microtransit services to address first/last mile gaps and provide flexible, on-demand public transportation increases the convenience and overall usage of transit.
Implementation Details
- Expand SunRide to address first/last mile needs in transit deserts and unserved neighborhoods, e.g. mobile home communities and agricultural worker housing.
- Pilot dynamic routing or demand-responsive microtransit zones communities with limited fixed-route coverage.
- Offer seasonal service boosts during Coachella Valley event periods and farm labor peaks.
- Integrate booking through Mobility-as-a-Service platforms through Smartphone applications
Mitigation Potential
Microtransit programs offer alternative options for Single Occupancy Vehicles for the first/last mile challenges. Reducing the reliance on Single Occupancy Vehicle to make the first/last mile challenges by offering a convenient and reliable option will impact VMT . While there are not currently quantification methods specific to microtransit, surveys can be used to gauge the effectiveness of this service.
Linked Strategies
Equity Considerations
Target microtransit expansion in transit-poor rural areas, tribal lands, and farmworker communities. Ensure low fares or fare-free access for seniors, youth, and low-income riders through voucher programs. Incorporate multilingual app access and cash-based booking options to reduce digital and financial barriers. Include accessible vehicles in fleet for riders with disabilities.
Funding Sources
Require coordination with TNC or rental car companies. Requires initial funding plus continued funding for operations. Pursue Low Carbon Transit Operations Programs (LCTOP), Clean Mobility Options, and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) 5310 funds to support implementation in Disadvantaged Communities (DACs) and disadvantaged unincorporated areas. Specific funding sources include the Clean Mobility Options Voucher Pilot Program (California Air Resources Board), and the Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program – Sustainable Communities – Competitive and Technical (Caltrans).
Examples/Case Studies
Placer County Microtransit
Placer County launched a microtransit program offering dial-a-ride services to fill transit gaps in low-density areas with flexible, on-demand
LA Metro Micotransit On-demand
Metro Micro is an on-demand rideshare service offering trips within eight designated zones within Los Angeles County. Service is provided with small vehicles (seating up to nine passengers) and is intended to provide first-mile, last-mile transportation to rail and bus lines and intra-community travel within LA County communities that have limited access to traditional transit service.