When we talk to transit agencies early in the microtransit planning process, we’re commonly asked: are you sure we can launch microtransit without stealing riders away from our fixed-route network?
The answer is definitely yes. Over the years, we’ve seen some pretty exciting results: fixed-route networks that actually grow in ridership after agencies introduce microtransit. For example: in rural Summit County, Utah, fixed-route ridership has grown 47% year-over-year, with the Via app recommending a journey option that includes the bus 75% of the time.
In nearby Salt Lake City, the Utah Transit Agency has also seen fixed-route ridership growth within their Westside microtransit zone since its launch. This growth is attributable to many factors, but one thing is clear: microtransit isn’t cannibalizing fixed-route ridership.
So how do our partners do it? Thoughtful service design is a key ingredient: they know exactly what network gaps microtransit is meant to fill, and deploy resources to maximize impact. But if you’re trying to ward off cannibalization with service design alone — with gerrymandered zones that avoid all of your bus lines, and complex rules about when and where riders can travel — take a step back. If you build a patchwork of too many zones, sub-zones, and rules, you risk confusing riders so much they give up and hail a cab.
Mode Preference is here to help. Live in Summit County and Salt Lake City — among many other places — Mode Preference simplifies the rider experience and makes your network more cost-efficient. How? Our algorithm knows when and where bus service is available, and will only offer microtransit trips to riders when they can’t easily catch the bus.
Transit agency benefits.
Mode Preference does four important things for transit agencies:
- Prevents fixed-route cannibalization. Riders will never be offered a microtransit trip instead of a convenient fixed-route journey.
- Reduces cost-per-trip and improves network efficiency. Good fixed-route service is extremely cost-effective; direct more riders to it, and overall cost-per-trip falls.
- Increases microtransit capacity and lowers wait times. If a rider who can take the bus does take the bus, that saves a seat for a rider who really needs microtransit.
- Simplifies service design. That patchwork of zones and rules? Gone. You can layer your microtransit zone right over your fixed-route network, and watch it effortlessly fill the gaps.
Under the hood.
How does it work?
- When a rider requests a trip, Via’s algorithm scans your entire network, calculating all possible routes to their destination across all possible modes.
- Then, it filters out trips that the rider is unlikely to accept: too many transfers, excessively long travel time, very long walks, too tight connections.
- Now it asks: of the remaining rider-friendly options, which are most efficient and cost-effective for your transit agency?
- Via’s algorithm compares some microtransit options against some fixed-route options. The fixed-route options get the rider to their destination nearly as quickly as microtransit, and are considerably more cost-effective to the agency.
- As a result, the algorithm filters out the microtransit options, and delivers two convenient fixed-route journeys to the rider.
For riders, this experience is smooth: they get where they need to go, and learn a bit more about the fixed-route options available in their neighborhood. And they did it all using just one app.
Curious to learn more?
Mode Preference works alongside a host of other Via Microtransit features that create integrated, efficient transit networks. Check it out.
Want to see it in action? Get more behind the scenes info, or get in touch to see a demo.
