Types of Transit Systems

Depending on the needs of their community, state departments of transportation and private transportation providers can organize different modes of transportation into a transit system. Common transit systems in rural regions include fixed-route, flex-route, demand-response, volunteers, and transit vanpools.

Fixed-Route

Fixed-route transportation includes buses, vans, light rail, and other vehicles that serve the public on a predetermined route and schedule. These types of systems have printed or posted timetables and designated stops where riders are picked up and dropped off. Fixed-route systems must meet requirements described by the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure they are accessible for passengers with disabilities. Fixed-route bus systems are the most common form of public transportation in the U.S., and 29% of rural bus systems are fixed route. However, rural communities may lack traditional fixed-route services. Additionally, fixed-route services may not meet the needs of residents, particularly in communities where people do not live along main roads. Rural communities may offer deviated fixed-route systems to pick up riders at their homes or other locations that are near the fixed-route.

Demand-Response

Demand-response transit involves small or medium vehicles operating on flexible routes with flexible schedules that depend on passenger requests. Passengers may use a subscription service, make advanced reservations, or use real-time scheduling. The demand-response model also allows passengers to use the transit service for a particular date and time. Demand-response vehicles may be dispatched to pick up multiple passengers at several different locations. Demand-response is the second largest type of public transportation service in the U.S., and is the main type of transit service in rural areas, accounting for 69% of all public transit trips. Demand-response is a more economical service for low-density populations because rides are only dispatched when needed and travel from a single origin to a single destination.

Flex Route

Flex route transportation systems, also called deviated fixed-route systems, use a hybrid fixed-route and demand-response model. Flex route systems also use prescheduled timetables but may deviate from the predetermined route to go to a specific location upon request. A rider must make this request in advance. Flex route services work well when deviations from the fixed route do not significantly impact regular timetables. For example, a flex route service may only deviate a certain distance off the regular route to stay on schedule.

Ridesharing

Ridesharing or ride-hailing is a type of demand-response transportation where passengers can use technology (such as a cell phone app) to request a driver to meet them at a particular time and location. Although ride-hailing is increasing in popularity in many urban centers around the country, availability is limited in rural locations.

Paratransit

Paratransit is a type of demand-response transportation that provides services to people who are unable to use fixed route systems. Paratransit complements public transit systems and is required to be provided within three-quarters of a mile of existing public bus or train systems. Paratransit helps eligible individuals by providing transportation services from their place of origin to their destination. Most commonly, paratransit services are operated by contractors of local transit agencies and are also provided by nonprofit and community-based organizations.

Volunteer Transportation Programs

Volunteer transportation programs rely on volunteers to drive passengers, often using their own personal vehicles. Volunteers may also drive buses, vans, or other cars to provide rides. Volunteer transportation programs often provide an additional level of support to riders, including door-to-door or door-through-door service for older adults or people with disabilities. Volunteer transportation programs may reimburse volunteers for gas, mileage, or other costs. While volunteer transit programs may be low cost and provide flexible service, identifying and training volunteers can require significant time and effort. In addition, rural programs may face issues with insuring volunteer drivers. The National Center for Mobility Management provides resources for volunteer driver programs.

Transit Vanpool

Vanpools use vans that can typically carry between 5 and 15 passengers. Vanpools are similar to carpools, with the main difference being that vanpools use vehicles larger than a car. Vanpooling is typically used by rural residents to travel long distances to urban worksites. Transit agencies, employers, groups of employees, or other organizations can organize vanpools. Vanpool passengers may ride full or part time, and the rider's expenses can vary based on frequency of use or distances traveled. Typically, the cost is less than driving a long distance alone.

Resources to Learn More

Estimating Ridership of Rural Demand-Response Transit Services for the General Public
Document
Describes two models for use in estimating passenger traffic for demand-response transit in rural communities. One model uses detailed data collected from surveys of rural transit organizations to determine impact of geographic coverage, days and hours of service, and time necessary to reserve a ride in advance.
Author(s): Mattson, J.
Date: 8/2016

A Guide for Planning and Operating Flexible Public Transportation Services
Document
An overview of several types of flex route service strategies that can be used in rural transit agencies. Chapter 2 includes a decision matrix for developing flex routes services in rural areas and Chapter 4 provides examples of successful programs and best practices.
Author(s): Potts, J.F., Marshall, M.A., Crockett, E.C., & Washington, J.
Organization(s): Transportation Research Board
Date: 2010

Rural Transportation and People with Disabilities
Document
Discusses options to help communities improve public transportation in rural areas, and identifies funding sources supporting access to rural transportation for people with disabilities.
Author(s): Equip for Equality
Organization(s): Illinois Department on Aging
Date: 2015