Shared Mobility and the Transformation of Public Transit

Citation: Shared-Use Mobility Center. “Shared Mobility and the Transformation of Public Transit” American Public Transportation Association (2016).

Link: https://www.apta.com/resources/reportsandpublications/Documents/APTA-Shared-Mobility.pdf

Synopsis from Report:
This report examines the relationship of public transportation to shared modes, including bikesharing, carsharing, microtransit, and ridesourcing services provided by companies such as Uber and Lyft. With the ability to request, track, and pay for trips via mobile devices, technology is changing the way people travel. It is predicted that these new modes will reduce car ownership and increase the use of public transit. This report explores issues and opportunities as they relate to technology-enabled mobility services, including suggesting ways that transit can learn from, build upon, and interface with these new modes. This report draws conclusions from several sources, including in-depth interviews with transportation officials, surveys of shared mobility users, and an analysis of transit and ridesourcing capacity and demand. Four key findings were noted: (1) the more people use shared modes, the more likely they are to use public transit, own fewer cars, and spend less on transportation; (2) shared modes complement public transit and enhance mobility; (3) shared modes will continue to grow, public entities should identify opportunities to engage with them; and (4) the public sector and private operators are eager to collaborate to improve paratransit services. This report offers recommended actions that public transit agencies, transportation departments, and other local and regional agencies should consider to promote cooperation between public and private mobility providers.