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1 Technology is transforming transportation. The ability to conveniently request, track, and pay for trips via mobile devices is changing the way people get around and interact with cities. This report examines the relationship of public transportation, including para- transit and demand-responsive services, to shared modes, including bikesharing, car- sharing, microtransit, and ridesourcing services provided by companies such as Uber and Lyft. The research included participation by seven cities: Austin, TX; Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Los Angeles and San Francisco, CA; Seattle, WA; and Washington, DC. Some transportation observers have predicted that, by creating a robust network of mobility options, these new modes will help reduce car ownership and increase use of pub- lic transit, which will continue to function as the backbone of an integrated, multimodal transportation system. The objective of TCRP Project J-11, Task 21 was to examine these issues and explore opportunities and challenges for public transportation as they relate to technology-enabled mobility services, including suggesting ways that transit professionals can learn from, build upon, and interface with these new modes. To accomplish this task, the study draws on several sources of information, including: ⢠In-depth interviews with transportation officials; ⢠A survey of shared mobility users; ⢠Analysis of transit and ridesourcing capacity, demand, and comparative travel times; ⢠An assessment of practices and regulations relating to paratransit provision; and ⢠A compilation of current business models and public-private partnerships that build on new technologies from the emerging shared mobility sector. Together, these elements provide a snapshot of a rapidly widening mobility ecosystem at an early moment in its evolution, and form the basis for a number of recommenda- tions for balancing the benefits of innovation with public agenciesâ responsibility to the common good. Key Findings ⢠Among survey respondents, greater use of shared modes is associated with greater likelihood to use transit frequently, own fewer cars, and have reduced transportation spending. Supersharers (people who routinely use several shared modes, such as bike- sharing, carsharing, and ridesourcing) report the greatest transportation savings and own half as many cars as people who use transit alone. S u m m a r y Shared Mobility and the Transformation of Public Transit
2 Shared mobility and the Transformation of Public Transit ⢠Shared modes largely complement public transit, enhancing urban mobility. On some routes and at certain times of day, however, shared modes may compete with transit. Ridesourcing services are most frequently used for social trips between 10:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m., times when transit runs infrequently or is unavailable. Bikesharing plays a peak-hour role in augmenting transit systems, while carsharing is mostly used off peak. The car-based shared modes likely substitute more for taxi or automobile trips than for transit trips. Transit is most competitive when it travels in its own right of way and pro- vides frequent service. ⢠Because shared modes are expected to continue growing in significance, public entities are encouraged to identify opportunities to engage with them to ensure that benefits are widely and equitably shared. Transit agencies can improve urban mobility for the entire spectrum of users through collaboration and public-private partnerships, includ- ing greater integration of service, information, and payment methods. ⢠Public-sector agencies and private mobility operators are eager to collaborate to improve paratransit using emerging approaches and technology. Although regulatory and institutional hurdles complicate partnerships in this area, technology and business models from the shared mobility industry can help lower costs, increase service availabil- ity, and improve rider experience. ⢠Emerging business models include new forms of public-private partnership for pro- vision of mobility and related information services. Public entities, including transit agencies and local transportation departments, already are engaging with private opera- tors and using new technologies from the shared mobility world. Public agencies can look to many examples for insight. Key areas of collaboration include cross-modal trip plan- ning, reservations, and payment application (app) integration; microtransit/dynamic demand response; private access to public rights-of-way; and service links and hand-offs. Conclusions TCRP Research Report 188 concludes by presenting actions that transit agencies, trans- portation departments, and other local and regional agencies can take to promote useful cooperation between public and private mobility providers. It also suggests regulatory enhancements, institutional realignments, and forms of public-private engagement that would allow innovation to flourish while providing mobility as safely, broadly, and equi- tably as possible.
