For those who rely on it, a good public transit system is key to accessing necessary destinations, for independence, and for personal wellbeing. Public transit also supports economic stability, reduces traffic congestion and road maintenance costs, and is a way to minimize the use of fossil fuels and carbon emissions. Unfortunately, in many parts of the Hudson Valley, public transit runs infrequently, is too far to access, or is non-existent.

There are several reasons for this. First, low density across much of the region makes traditional public transit models inefficient. Secondly, while many Hudson Valley residents do not have access to a personal vehicle and are reliant on public transit, these needs are often not well represented by public officials in the budgeting process.

A significant amount of tax dollars are directed to a transportation system that privileges those who can afford the cost of personal vehicle ownership and are physically able to operate a vehicle. Large proportions of local budgets go toward the construction and maintenance of roads while public transit providers are comparatively under resourced to meet the needs of their customers. For those who rely on buses and the like, accessing everyday destinations such as work, school, the grocery store, or medical facilities can be very difficult, time consuming, and may require planning weeks in advance. For people who use public transit to get to work, commute times can add hours to their day and any delays may hurt their ability to keep their job. For senior citizens who can no longer drive, accessing food, healthcare, and other important destinations can be a weekly challenge.

As a share of our region’s population ages into senior years, and more people enter a stage in their life when they can no longer drive, the need for public transit options will rise. Additionally, as housing and other costs continue to strain household budgets, more people may come to rely on public transit because they can no longer afford the cost of owning a car. Census data show that almost 10% of households in our region do not have access to a vehicle. These members of our communities need a well-funded, effective transit system to maintain their independence, access vital goods and services, and live a high-quality life in the Hudson Valley.

Public transit providers should also consider innovative methods to meet needs and improve service. This research brief presents information about one novel solution: an on-demand microtransit system that aggregates real time data to provide service to users within a set zone.