TransLoc, a technology provider of flexible agency-owned microtransit systems, has formed partnerships with three innovative California transit agencies readying to deploy on-demand public transport services in their respective communities.
Microtransit is a highly flexible, on-demand mode of transportation that is changing the face of public transit. The on-demand mode couples traditional fixed-route services, such as public buses, trams and trains, with demand-driven options to serve the unique needs of cities and communities.
Microtransit is intended to positively impact a community’s social mobility and economic viability, while also addressing concerns stemming from traffic and parking congestion. TransLoc has formed partnerships with Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (CCCTA), and the San Joaquin Regional Transit District (SJRTD).
The three agencies are now in the initial stages of introducing new services powered by TransLoc’s MicroTransit Simulator, a predictive modeling service that can simulate rider demand and determine fleet operations for successful new pilot programs for on-demand transit services. The microtransit systems being rolled out are:
Flexible first-mile/last-mile options with OCTA, which is located southeast of Los Angeles and serves 34 cities. The agency is turning to microtransit to supplement the needs of communities underserved by their existing fixed-route network, with the launch of OC Flex in the summer of 2018, which will help the agency reduce parking congestions, grow ridership and provide a more efficient service.
In the suburbs of the San Francisco Bay Area, CCCTA plans to deploy microtransit to complement its current demand-response services, as well as help its riders connect more seamlessly with the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Walnut Creek station. CCCTA currently transports 20-40 commuters per day on its demand-response service that requires call-ahead scheduling. The new microtransit services are scheduled to begin in February of 2018.
SJRTD in Stockton is currently using microtransit services, powered by TransLoc, to better serve its rural residents. SJRTD piloted microtransit in its community to make it possible for riders to request on-demand rides in both real time, and also to schedule services in advance.
“Forward-thinking transit agencies, such as OCTA, CCCTA and SJRTD, are breaking down the barriers prohibiting people from leveraging public transit,” said TransLoc’s vice president, Rahul Kumar.
“These agencies are embracing new approaches when providing public transit options to enhance the benefits in their communities by bringing greater economic vitality, greener environmental stability and a higher quality of life. Microtransit represents this next wave of innovation, merging flexible and fixed transit to better serve citizens and their communities.”
