How microtransit helps reduce emissions
• 2 min readOur recent data proves microtransit is getting people out of private cars and into more sustainable transportation, creating more livable cities with less traffic and emissions.
Research has consistently revealed public transportation as integral to achieving decarbonization goals. As tech-enabled, on-demand microtransit is moving beyond its pilot phase and becoming a major part of many US cities’ transit networks, we are starting to see the unique role this mobility mode can play in improving sustainability in the long run.
Using millions of local trips and rider survey data, Via’s data scientists ran a study to understand the impact of on-demand transit on the local environment across the nation. We found that 40.8% of Via-powered microtransit rides replaced trips previously served by private vehicles in 2022. This means that a significant portion of Via’s ridership is choosing to use public transportation instead of driving their own cars.
Based on vehicle data, we discovered that microtransit helped reduce overall emissions by 4853 tons in 2022 — a 35.2% decrease. The environmental impact of microtransit is even more prominent when compared to single-occupant vehicles: microtransit emits 41% less GHG per passenger mile on average.
In communities with limited fixed route coverage or where private car travel is the dominant mode, such as Newton, Massachusetts, Annapolis, Maryland, and Richmond, California, the introduction of microtransit reduced emissions by more than 50% when compared with previously-available transportation modes.
The results are clear: shared rides of on-demand service have made cities greener and more accessible — a win for city residents and the planet. Thinking of bringing this more sustainable mobility option to your city? Read our definite microtransit guide and learn the eight key elements for a successful launch.