Microtransit

Microtransit is a privately operated transit system which may mirror operations of public transit agencies along select routes. It 'fits' somewhere between private (cars or cabs) and public transit. Current microtransit providers include Bridj, Chariot, Lyft Shuttle, Split, and Via. It is form of public transportation in which routes can be dynamically generated.

The term may have emerged into widespread industry discussion around 2015. Various definitions of microtransit have been attempted:

IT-enabled private multi-passenger transportation services, such as Bridj, Chariot, Split, and Via, that serve passengers using dynamically generated routes, and may expect passengers to make their way to and from common pick-up or drop-off points. Vehicles can range from large SUVs to vans to shuttle buses. Because they provide transit-like service but on a smaller, more flexible scale, these new services have been referred to as microtransit.

and

Alternative transit services is a broad category that encompasses shuttles (shared vehicles that connect passengers to public transit or employment centers), paratransit, and private sector transit solutions commonly referred to as microtransit. Microtransit can include fixed route or flexible route services, as well as offer fixed schedules or on-demand service. In its most agile form (flexible routing, scheduling or both), microtransit and paratransit can be bundled under the category known as flexible transit services.

Outside references

• Stromberg, J. (2015). “These startups want to do for buses what Uber did for taxi rides.” Vox.