Public transit: A century of experts trying to crack the code

The person who needs to get from here to there isn't helped by a public-vs-private turf war.

After 100+ years of automobiles, mobility experts are still trying to figure out public transportation.

It might be impossible to completely separate "public transportation" and "private transportation,” and not just because of emerging technology. 

When I was growing up, it was normal for church members to use their personal cars/vans to help families get around. Not just shuttling to/from church functions, but for groceries, doctors appointments, swim team practice, or a ride to the Metro station.

Depending on the vehicle and operator, mobility experts would call this type of service “on-demand transit” or “being a good neighbor.”

• What if a community’s best “public transportation” is a blend of public and private operators?

• What if private organizations run profitable services that fill in gaps missed by fixed-route buses?

• What if the fixed-route buses are replaced by autonomous shuttles running on demand-responsive routes? 

Cars, vans, shuttles, buses, autonomous pods — the vehicle itself shouldn’t be the primary concern.

 The average person who needs a ride isn’t helped by a turf war. Our neighbors need innovation, and that might mean solutions that blend so-called public and private transportation services.