There is a variety of privately provided transportation services available for shared or group use in many cities in the United States and throughout the world.  The services (which include, but are not limited to, microtransit, jitneys, shuttles, employer buses, van services, and group ridesourcing) are very diverse.  

 

These transportation services supplement, complement, and compete with available public transportation, generally filling niche markets. They expand urban and suburban mobility options and meet needs of patrons at all income levels.  They have the potential to provide feeder services to and from fixed route transit, allowing more people access to publically provided transit services.  

 

Key criticisms of privately provided shared or group transportation services are that they (1) drop off and pick up customers at bus stops, disrupting public transit services; (2) often occupy limited public curb-space, displacing other vehicles; (3) do not meet established regulations and safety standards for vehicles and drivers; (4)  do not provide fully accessible services;  and (5) are not available to all potential patrons (e.g.,  when they require a smart phone for access and a credit card account for payment). 

 

 

The objective of this research is to provide information and guidance for transit agencies and other public entities, regarding private providers of transportation services intended for shared or group use. The research should provide guidance for (1) improving understanding of these services, including their benefits and impacts on communities; (2) reducing the challenges and disruption attributed to these services; and (3) initiating positive relationships that will benefit customers, public and private transportation providers, and communities. 

 

 

Completed. Published as TCRP Report 196