Document Type

Statistical Report

Publication Date

2-1-2026

Abstract

In response to increasingly dispersed trip patterns, changing travel behavior, and new technology platforms, transit agencies are under pressure to modernize their services to sustain ridership and remain relevant. One strategy gaining traction is microtransit, an on-demand service model that allows riders to request trips (in real time or in advance) and receive service in smaller vehicles that may be shared with other passengers.

Agencies are exploring microtransit to address well-known fixed-route challenges, particularly in low-density areas where limited demand, circuitous routing, and weak pedestrian connectivity can lead to low productivity. By right-sizing service to real-time demand, microtransit can reduce the frequency of vehicles operating with very low passenger loads while maintaining access to essential destinations such as jobs, healthcare, and education. Interest is also being shaped by rising expectations for app-based convenience, including flexible booking, real-time information, and trip tracking.

At the same time, microtransit raises important questions about feasibility, service design, cost, governance, and performance. This white paper provides a high-level, decision-oriented overview of these considerations and identifies research priorities to help Florida’s transit stakeholders navigate the evolving microtransit landscape. The work draws on a broad literature review, a scan of microtransit activity in Florida, and input from a peer panel of Florida transit agency representatives.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.5038/VWOE4738

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