Traditional transit systems that rely exclusively on fixed routes and fixed schedules struggle to provide high quality service to transit-dependent travelers and to attract choice travelers in moderate- to low-density areas. This is especially true in areas where jobs, restaurants, and shopping are not clustered together. Moreover, it is expensive for transit agencies to run services in moderate- and low-density areas. Integrating traditional transit and the more flexible microtransit—multi-passenger transportation services that serve passengers using dynamically generated routes—has been touted as a means to attract riders to public transit, improve mobility and sustainable transportation outcomes and provide better accessibility to more travelers. These integrated services also have the potential to reduce costs incurred by transit agencies and improve mobility equity in underserved communities. However, successful real-world examples of and guidelines for integrating traditional transit and microtransit are relatively limited. This project has two key objectives: (1) to develop network design and operational strategy guidelines for integrating microtransit and transitional transit in low- to moderate-density areas, and (2) to analyze the mobility, accessibility, and equity benefits of integrating transitional transit and microtransit statewide. The project will identify ways that the state can support microtransit integration, blueprints that transit agencies can use to implement microtransit, and metrics for tracking how well microtransit services are helping California achieve climate, equity, and mobility and accessibility goals.

The California Integrated Travel Program (Cal-ITP) aims to introduce open payments across all of California’s public transit systems, enabling passengers to use any means of payment readily available to them and reducing or eliminating dependence on cash payments or specialized fare cards. Potential means of payment include credit cards, mobile phone apps or digital wallets, and prepaid debit cards. This shift will allow greater flexibility for passengers and transit agencies alike. This fare payment system will be supported by the implementation of General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) – a data sharing protocol – across all transit agencies as well as GTFS Real Time, which allows passengers to find routes and schedules with tools such as Google and the Transit App and to track vehicle locations in real- time. While this effort is led by the state, with key activities carried out by the California Department of Transportation and the California State Transportation Agency, the full execution of Cal-ITP depends on each transit agency’s participation, which is voluntary at this time. Cal-ITP’s challenge will be to help the hundreds of California transit agencies of different sizes, capabilities, and diverse services transition to a coordinated fare payment system. This study will identify the tools and assistance that transit agencies will need to participate in Cal-ITP. The researchers, with support from the California Transit Association (CTA), will conduct a survey of California transit agencies to assess their knowledge of Cal-ITP, their understanding of the challenges of participating in Cal-ITP, and their awareness of assistance offered by the program. In addition, information will be gathered about agency characteristics related to their interest in Cal-ITP, capacity to participate, and attitudes about open payment systems.

Many California students rely on public transit to travel to and from school. For low-income families, even low transit fares can be economically burdensome, leading some students to skip school or abstain from extra-curricular activities. Some school districts have partnered with transit agencies to offer free transit passes in an effort to help students overcome these obstacles, but few of these programs have been rigorously analyzed, either for their impacts on educational achievements or for their impacts on transit. This study will characterize the users of LA Metro's K-14 free transit pass program – the largest ever such program in the U.S. – and analyze users’ travel patterns (e.g., mode of transport to and from school, after school trips, trip purposes). Understanding the ridership impacts of free transit pass programs for K-14 students is essential for promoting educational and transportation equity. It is also critical for transit it attempts to recover from the drop in ridership caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.