APTA unveils mobility innovation report

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) last week released a new report titled "Mobility Innovation: The Case for Federal Investment and Support."

The six case studies highlighted in this new report illustrate the true innovative potential of the U.S. public transit industry, APTA officials said in a news release.

Each agency profiled in the report developed a new service model to address a need they recognized in their community. The innovations were developed in response to a specific unmet demand or service gap. 

The programs focus on serving sectors of the market most in need of help: those living in areas that are currently underserved by transit, who require wheelchair access or commute during off-pea, late-night hours. 

One of the case studies focuses on the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro), which began exploring on-demand transit technologies with the development of two pilot projects.

The first, Mobility On Demand (MOD), is a two-year, shared-ride service to or from select LA Metro and Metrolink stations that was launched in January 2019 in partnership with private partner Via. In January 2021, remaining MOD passenger services were absorbed by Metro Micro.

The second, Metro Micro, is a multiyear, shared-ride operation designed and implemented under a public-private partnership with technology firm RideCo Inc. that was launched in December 2020.

To access the full report, click here.