What Is Microtransit and How Does it Work?

Microtransit is a flexible, on-demand transportation service that bridges the gap between traditional public transit and ride-sharing. Unlike buses that have fixed transit routes, microtransit uses dynamic routing based on real-time passenger demand that picks up passengers heading in the same direction.

What is the Difference between Microtransit and Mass Transit?

Microtransit aims to operate in the gaps or absence of mass transit. When designed effectively, a microtransit service complements existing fixed-route transportation rather than competing with it by operating in the first- and last-mile gaps of mass transit. 

They key difference between mass transit and microtransit comes down to how they serve people:

• - Mass transit moves larger numbers of riders along fixed routes. Subways, commuter rails, and buses keep people flowing through high-traffic areas. 
• - Microtransit takes that foundation one step further. It’s community driven and adapts to real-time with on-demand or dynamic routing service. It extends service into less populous or transit-desert areas. 

Mass transit provides cities with structure, while microtransit adds flexibility, and together they create a system that is more responsive and inclusive to community needs.

Why Microtransit Matters

1. Solving the First-Mile/Last-Mile Problem: Microtransit improves accessibility to larger transit systems. It acts as the missing link in transportation services by connecting passengers from mass transit hubs to their final destinations.
2. Cost-Effective Mobility: Microtransit is an affordable alternative for both riders and municipalities. Cities can implement on-demand services at a fraction of the cost of traditional public transit systems while offering residents inexpensive rides that reduce their reliance on personal vehicles.
3. User Experience & Quality Control: Riders value the convenience of on-demand services, while public and private partners appreciate dedicated, consistent vehicles. Microtransit combines these features to create mutual value for both riders and service providers, including cities, transit agencies, and property managers.
4. Improved Accessibility: For underserved communities and those living in transit deserts, microtransit provides reliable connections to grocery stores, pharmacies, medical appointments, workplaces, and many other essential destinations and services.
5. Reducing Urban Congestion: Unlike traditional ride-hailing, which often increases vehicle miles traveled (VMTs) by accepting single-rider trips, effective microtransit focuses on sharing rides between passengers heading in the same direction to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads and alleviate traffic congestion. Circuit uses smart pooling algorithms to transport the most riders to their destinations as efficiently as possible. To do this, our algorithm takes into account the vehicle type and corresponding seat capacity, the number of passengers on board, the number of passengers awaiting pick-up, and everyone’s final destinations.
6. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable: Microtransit significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions in addition to operating costs through its use of electric vehicles (EVs) as compared to Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) which burn fuel.

Microtransit in Action

Circuit riders in Chula Vista, California pose in front of a shuttle on Earth Day, 2023. 

Circuit deployed a senior-focused microtransit system in Chula Vista, California in 2022. Chula Vista is quickly expanding with 76% projected population growth expected to come from older adults and limited existing transit to support these new residents. Circuit’s shuttle, initially designated to riders aged 55 and above, ensures that older community members and those under-served by existing transit can maintain their mobility and autonomy without reliance on friends and family members to drive them.

Intuit Dome stadium staff pose in front of a Circuit shuttle, 2024.

Intuit Dome stadium partnered with Circuit to create a free, electric, game-day shuttle in Inglewood, California in 2024. When envisioning the Intuit Dome, LA Clippers and Intuit Dome stadium owner Steve Ballmer suspected that the stadium would inherit the challenges of the directly adjacent SoFi Stadium: expensive parking fees, long ride-share wait times, congested roads, and minimal first-mile/last-mile options to transit hubs.

The solution? Ballmer partnered with Circuit to implement microtransit decongesting the stadium, offering fans a free alternative to expensive parking and ride-share service fees, and bridging that first-mile/last-mile mile gap to give everyone the best experience.

A Circuit shuttle takes riders in Pompano Beach, Florida to Fisher Family Pier for free, 2023.

Working alongside the local government, Circuit implemented microtransit shuttles in Pompano Beach, Florida in 2021. Pompano Beach’s representatives realized that there were gaps in their transit system, and that their beaches and business districts were limited by old parking infrastructure. Circuit stepped in and provided shuttles to these areas revitalizing their economic growth without having to tear down existing infrastructure. 

These real-life stories exemplify the value of microtransit, as well as Circuit’s commitment to the communities we work with and our adaptability to situationally specific needs.

The Future of Microtransit

Circuit’s first autonomous vehicle pictured in Downtown Boca Raton, Florida, 2025.

Microtransit is more than just a trend; it’s a transformative approach to urban mobility that’s here to stay. As cities increasingly prioritize sustainability, accessibility, and efficiency, microtransit solutions like Circuit’s will continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of transportation. 

We envision a world where microtransit seamlessly integrates with existing transit systems, like Circuit’s partnership with Tri-Rail in Florida, creating a holistic, interconnected mobility ecosystem. With advancements in electric vehicle technology, AI-driven routing, autonomous vehicles, and increased public investment in sustainable transportation, the potential for microtransit is boundless.

Circuit's Role in the Microtransit Ecosystem

Circuit has been a pioneer in microtransit since 2011, offering first-mile/last-mile electric shuttle solutions to cities and private entities across the U.S. Our services have transported over 8 million passengers without burning a single drop of gas.

Here’s how we stand out:

1. Turnkey Solutions: From operational planning and vehicles to staffing and technology, we offer a fully integrated service that’s easy to implement, adjust, and scale.
2. Custom Localized Solutions: Circuit designs microtransit services tailored to each community, hiring local staff and focusing on short trips that complement existing transit. This localized approach enhances accessibility and improves the function of  broader transportation systems.
3. Public & Private Partnerships: Circuit bridges public and private sectors to create sustainable microtransit solutions with community at the center. When private partners pay for Circuit’s ride services, they alleviate the burden of cost from the public who might otherwise have to put money into already overwhelmed transit systems. Additionally, Circuit’s advertising partnerships ensure that our ride fares remain low and accessible. Circuit’s adaptable business model allows us to work with private partners and local municipalities alike to create "community mobility," with customized systems that cater to specific needs. 
4. Proven Track Record: Operating in 50+ locations throughout key markets like Southern California, South Florida, and the NY Metro area, we’ve built trust with cities and businesses as a reliable partner in mobility.
5. Smart Technology: Our dynamic routing, real-time tracking, user-friendly apps, and rider feedback portal ensure an exceptional rider experience while optimizing operational efficiency.

Join the Microtransit Movement

At Circuit, we’re not just moving people. We’re building smarter, greener, and more connected cities. Whether you’re a city planner, a business owner, or a community advocate, we’d love to partner with you to drive the future of mobility.

Learn more about how Circuit can transform transportation in your city. Contact us today to explore custom solutions tailored to your needs!

FAQ

What is microtransit?

Microtransit is a flexible, on-demand transportation service between traditional public transit and ridesharing. Microtransit utilizes dynamic routing based on real-time passenger demand, picking up passengers heading in the same direction.

What are the pros and cons of microtransit?

Although there are reasons why microtransit can fail, they tend to be due to lack of integration and inefficiencies in the service’s set up as opposed to the service itself. In general, microtransit is a net positive to communities.

Microtransit is beneficial to cities, private partners, and community members. It can fill transportation gaps created by existing mass transit, has inexpensive implementation and rider costs, is adaptable and can be used to cater to the needs of many, improves transit accessibility, reduces urban congestion, and lessens CO2 emissions that contribute to global warming. 

Where is microtransit possible?

Microtransit’s adaptable nature means that it’s feasible for many communities and areas to implement. Microtransit helps reduce traffic congestion in urban areas turning them into smart cities, bridges mass transit gaps in the suburbs, and provides rural communities with a way to reach grocery stores, pharmacies, medical appointments, workplaces, and more without a car. 

If you’d like to implement microtransit in your area, please fill out our New Service Form, and we’ll be in touch!