You want your microtransit service to be successful, but not at the cost of fixed route ridership. So you create distinct microtransit service zones to prevent fixed route cannibalization.
The downside? This creates a confusing patchwork of microtransit zones with inconvenient service hours and fiddly rules. Riders get frustrated when they can't travel as they want or expect; the more apps (and bus schedules) they need to figure out which mode to take and when, the less likely they are to use your network.
There’s now a better way: Mode Preference, a Via algorithm feature that understands where and when high-quality fixed-route bus service is available in your community. When riders plan a journey, Via suppresses microtransit options that duplicate fixed route service. In other words, microtransit is only shown when it would be a meaningful improvement compared to fixed route.
What does this do for agencies?
- Prevents cannibalization of strong fixed route service.
- Simplifies the rider experience.
- Increases microtransit capacity.
- Reduces cost-per-trip and improves network efficiency.
How Mode Preference prevents fixed-route cannibalization.
First, Ruby requests a ride. Via’s algorithm identifies all potential journeys to get her from Point A to Point B.
Then, Mode Preference gets to work selecting trips that are both convenient for Ruby and cost-effective for your transit agency.
Mode Preference starts by removing all of the trips that are unattractive for Ruby. This step ensures we’re giving riders trip proposals they are actually likely to take.
Then, Mode Preference notices that Via’s algorithm found several attractive (read: fast) fixed route journeys for Ruby that are nearly as speedy as microtransit would be.
Because these convenient fixed-route options exist, Mode Preference filters out microtransit trips because they are less cost-effective for your agency. Ruby is presented with two good fixed-route trips — and learns a bit more about transit available in her neighborhood.
Mode Preference benefits.
Benefit #1: Simplified rider experience.
With Mode Preference switched on, you can implement a simple, large microtransit zone that serves as a transit "safety net," offering on-demand trips only when fixed route isn't feasible.
Ruby doesn't need to worry about where microtransit is and isn't available — she just requests her trip, and follows the directions in the app.
Benefit #2: increased microtransit capacity.
Mode Preference also increases capacity and quality of service on your agency’s microtransit service.
When Ruby boarded her bus, the seat she might have taken in a microtransit vehicle opens up. Now Carla, who lives in a neighborhood not well-served by fixed route, can get a ride more quickly.
Benefit #3: agency cost savings.
Ruby gets where she needs to go. And your transit agency saved money on her ride. The cost to serve Ruby’s trip with microtransit would have been $13. With fixed route? $8.
Spread across hundreds of rides a day, the savings add up.
Bonus: Ruby was previously unaware that Route 6 served her neighborhood. Now that she’s aware, she’ll use it again.
Making Mode Preference work for you — and your riders.
Every service is unique, so we align your Mode Preference settings to your priorities.
If cost efficiency is your #1 goal, we ask Mode Preference to favor fixed route suggestions. If you want to provide the highest quality service, we can preference microtransit. We’ll find the right balance for your service.
Of course, riders with disabilities always receive fully accessible ride proposals.
Let's recap.
Mode Preference is a critical feature that enables microtransit to truly complement fixed route service — and never compete with it.
By providing a simpler, more reliable experience and distributing demand to the most cost efficient mode, Mode Preference saves your agency money while helping to create a truly integrated, efficient transit network.
There's more.
Mode Preference works alongside a host of other Via Microtransit features that create integrated, efficient transit networks. Learn more.
