SORTA Seeks Input for New Microtransit Service, Hamilton County, OH 2022

The Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (aka Metro) plans to introduce a new microtransit service called Mobility On-Demand. Currently, Metro operates fixed-route bus and paratransit service across the Cincinnati area. Before Metro implements this service, the agency is hosting several public workshops to help determine how Mobility On-Demand takes form. Metro is considering three potential formats for this microtransit service:

1. Flexible route: The transit vehicle maintains a schedule and a series of defined bus stops and serves off-route locations within the zone upon advance request.
2. Point-to-point: Similar to ridehail services like Uber or Lyft, the transit vehicle provides curb-to-curb service for pick-up and drop-off locations within the defined zone through an advance request via phone call or mobile app.
3. First-/Last-mile Connector: Provides connections to/from the existing fixed-route network with point-to-point service within a zone connecting at a hub or transit center.

Through a web survey in Fall 2021, Metro identified solid public support for this on-demand transit service that can better serve areas with lower population density. Along with identifying what form Mobility On-Demand will take, Metro hopes to identify six zones that the microtransit service will serve in its initial phase. Once Mobility On-Demand begins operations, it will be valuable to observe how it integrates with Metros’ existing services.

Last updated March 10, 2022