TDM Toolbox

Subsector: Transit
Private Ridesharing and Shuttles
VMT Reduction Potential: 2
Cost: 3
ROI: 2
CVAG Relevancy: 5
Land Use Content: Urban, Suburban
Trip Type: School, Residential, Commute, Recreation
Scale: Community
Timing: Short Term (1-3 years)
Implementors-Private: Developers (Employment), Developers (Residential), Educational Institutions, Employers, Property Managers, Transportation Management Associations (TMAs)/Transportation Management Organizations (TMOs)
Implementors-Public: Municipalities
References: California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (2024), Connect SoCal 2024 TDM Toolbox of Strategies

Description

Private shuttles provide shared transportation services for employment centers, commercial areas, and large residential developments, addressing first/last mile challenges and reducing Single Occupancy Vehicle trips.

Implementation Details

  • Develop shared shuttle service agreements for employee shuttles serving high employment zones.
  • Coordinate with local tribes to consider services to casinos from hotel clusters.
  • Require shuttle accommodations in major new developments.
  • Install shuttle loading zones at CV Link trailheads and park-and-ride lots.
  • Coordinate with private operators to ensure ADA-compliant shuttle access and schedule integration with SunLine’s transit network.

Mitigation Potential

Private shared transportation/shuttles provide connections to and from commercial, office, or retail destinations. The measure directly addresses the first and last mile connectivity issue, incentivizing a shift from private Single Occupancy Vehicles, which reduces VMT. CAPCOA recommends private shuttle programs to serve employment centers or regional nodes, especially where fixed-route transit is infeasible. These services can support ADA accessibility and reduce commute VMT.

For more details, see CAPCOA, T-8. Provide Ridesharing Program, pg. 92-94 and CAPCOA, T-11. Provide Employer-Sponsored Vanpool, pg. 104-108 which shows VMT reductions.

Linked Strategies

Equity Considerations

Shuttles serving tribal lands, farmworker housing, or unincorporated communities can fill key access gaps where fixed-route transit is infeasible. Equity outcomes depend on low-cost fares, ADA compliance, and partnerships with community organizations.

Funding Sources

Operations will most likely be managed by employers or TMAs. Local municipalities may require need to identify ongoing funding resources for storage, maintenance, and operation. Coordination for Ridesharing and Shuttles to reduce SOV trips will provide valuable input and data in support of various grants.

Examples/Case Studies

Solano County First/Last Mile Program

Solano County’s First/Last Mile Program is designed to assist commuters in connecting with transit hubs for the initial or final leg of their trips. This program aims to bridge the gap for those using alternative transportation modes such as transit, carpool, vanpool, or active transportation.

One key feature of the program is its partnership with Lyft, which offers subsidized rides. Participants in the program can receive up to 60% off their Lyft fare, capped at $20, when commuting to or from public transit hubs in Solano County, including the Vallejo Ferry Terminal. Qualifying low-income participants can benefit from an even higher discount of 80%.

San Joaquin Valley Vanpool Program

The Valley Air District provides vanpools and employer-based shuttles to serve farmworker communities and rural areas where transit is limited. Programs are subsidized to support low-income riders and fill regional transit gaps