Cities turn to micro-transit to fill gaps in public transportation

On-demand ride-sharing services, vans and shuttle buses have spread to at least 100 U.S. cities, providing flexibility and reducing car usage. Ride-hailing vehicles, vans, shuttles and buses can all function as microtransit. They can be used on fixed or flexible routes and schedules, as well as with on-demand scheduling. Today, more than 100 on-demand microtransit systems are operating in about 40 states, according to Via, a company that provides cities and transit agencies with technology and service operations for on-demand public transportation, paratransit and non-emergency medical transportation.