Microtransit has a different meaning depending on the location. In simple terms, it is defined as "a form of bus demand responsive transport vehicle for hire" according to Wikipedia. It's an on-demand service of vehicles that offer flexible routes.

Microtransit tries to match demand and supply with ad-hoc routes. This is an extension of public transportation in order to cover gaps in transit. It can be in a form of a shuttle, bus or some other type of vehicle.

In many cities, most of the bus and train service end close to midnight. This leaves workers who have the graveyard shift with very limited, if any, transit options. With microtransit, this impending issue can be mitigated, providing a safe way of transportation in the middle of the night.

Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft are microtransit options. While this works well in the more populated cities, for other rural areas that have minimal, if any of these services, public transit is stepping up to offer on demand service.

On Demand Bus Service

In the counties of Gloucester and Wise in Virginia, some transit agencies are offering on-demand bus service. This is a pilot program with Via, a microtransit company that lasts18 months, where it has flexible routes determined by the rider's needs; and not a fixed route or schedule. Other rural counties in Virginia are planning to follow suit.

Having on demand transit can also have many benefits such as reducing traffic congestion, which helps the environment. Also, it helps expand more career opportunities for workers who live farther away from major cities, by giving them a transportation option they can rely on.

Microtransit options might be just what public transit agencies need in order to expand their services and attract more riders to keep using public transit as their main means of commuting and traveling.