Electric, On Demand Public Transit

In October 2021, Auckland New Zealand, removed a low performing bus route from the city’s public transit system. To replace it, the City launched a small fleet of electric cars for an ‘on-demand public transit service.’

It’s a little like Uber or Lyft. There isn’t a route or a schedule. Instead, Auckland’s on-demand public transit service uses virtual stops placed around a service area. The user opens up the app to request a ride and the app’s algorithm optimizes the driver’s course based on pick ups and drop offs. Then, the driver will pick up and drop off everyone who requested a ride. Think of when Uber had UberPool, except ran by the City.

Since there are no stops, the residents of the service area all have equal access to the new form of public transit. Everywhere within the zone is covered rather than a designated route. Check out an article here.

A creative model such as this has the possibility to solve public transit issues in areas without the population density of a large city, but with demand for public transit options.

-Jess