Introduction to Micro-Transit / Demand Responsive Transit Conor Walsh conor@como.org.uk @Como_uk

What is micro-transit or DRT? Micro-transit or DRT is a semi-fixed-route bus service with dynamic pick-up and drop-off points, the service operates on a closed loop taking passengers from a residential area to a destination or other transport service. A common use case for micro-transit is to optimize coverage of a high capacity mass transit service by connecting a low capacity corridor with a high capacity service, which could either be a rail service, bus or a bus rapid transit service. The mini-buses can carry up to 12 passengers, they have leather seats, tables, plug sockets and wifi.

How does it work? Passengers can ‘hail’ the service via an app on their mobile phone. Once hailed, passengers are directed to the virtual bus stop with their unique e-ticket generated through the app. Importantly, like a traditional bus service there is a fixed destination rather than a flexi- stop service for drop-off. The number of buses on route is determined by the length of the route. A minimum level is needed to guarantee a given wait time. Services in the UK have been operating with six buses so far. Micro-transit has reduced operating costs with a considerably smaller vehicle which cost less to buy, maintain and repair while benefitting from less stringent licensing requirements for drivers. In addition, there is lower capital costs compared to a traditional bus service which has a depot, bus station and bus stops. The availability of such technology with the continuing reduction of traditional bus services has served as opportunity for Micro-transit to enter the market.

Procurement Software as a Service (SaaS) Transit as a Service (TaaS) This would serve a transit authority who have their own drivers and vehicles. This would provide the back-office support and front-end software to run a DRT service. This would include: passenger aggregation and dynamic routing algorithm, customer friendly app, data reporting and analytics, payment processor and planning and modelling services. A turnkey solution that includes all the technology plus drivers, vehicles, and operations management. This would be operated on behalf of the local authority

Ridership vs Coverage

Door-to-door vs Corner-to-Corner The problem is door-to-door eliminates zero walking or any other form of active travel on the first or last mile. Active travel should still be considered as connector to these services. UK services have taken a different approach and have pursued a corner-to-corner policy.

UK Examples Chariot- Greenwich, London Arriva Click- Sittingbourne Kent Large presence in America and operations in Greenwich and Hayes in west London, running out of Stockley Business Park. In Greenwich in connects residents from an area without rail underground to North Greenwich Station. In Uxbridge they run a stopping service from a business park to a shopping centre for additional lunch and shopping options. Importantly, about these services they only run during peak times, i.e. morning and afternoon peak. April 2017 Arriva Click launched first DRT bus service in Sittingbourne with operating hours of 6am-7pm with an extension to 10pm due to high demand later in the year. 55, 000 journeys completed in first year. Launches a dual ticket which allows passengers to travel on both DRT and traditional buses. Most recently launched in Liverpool.

Additional Use Cases New Housing developments Low density suburbs that couldn’t support a fixed-route bus service. Operations and Logistics. If a bus route wasn’t considered at the planning stage it may be unviable after building. Low capacity corridor to High capacity corridor. As first/last mile connector to a rail service, BRT or light rail service. The dynamic timetabling can be used to sync up with additional/ bus/rail services.

References and Links Intelligent Transport Whitepaper on Micro-transit: https://www.intelligenttransport.com/wp-content/uploads/Getting_Microtransit_Right.pdf Link to conference presentations of Arriva Click and Chariot: https://como.org.uk/events/conference-presentations-2018/ (scroll down on page) Ridership vs Coverage dilemma: https://www.citymetric.com/transport/ridership-vs-coverage-transport-planner-s-dilemma-3728 Slide withdrawing from Bristol: https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/business/car-sharing-service-slide-close-2261700