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DOE OSTI · 3030688

On-Demand Transit: Features, Benefits, Challenges, Costs, and Evaluation

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Abstract

The U.S. Department of Energy's National Laboratory of the Rockies works in partnership with communities and transit agencies across North America to support and evaluate customized on-demand transit (ODT) systems. ODT, also known as on-demand mobility or microtransit, is a flexible form of public mobility. Unlike traditional fixed-route transit, ODT adjusts where and when service is provided rather than following predetermined schedules and routes. Having evolved from commercial ride-hailing business models, ODT leverages smartphone connectivity and real-time route optimization to provide highly responsive and dynamic service. ODT trips, which are usually shared, can function as a standalone service or as a first-/last-mile service connecting riders to other types of transit.

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24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTINGfirst-mile/last-milemicrotransitODMODTon-demand mobilityon-demand transitrural mobilitytransit agencytransportation

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2026-04-16. On-Demand Transit: Features, Benefits, Challenges, Costs, and Evaluation. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/3030688

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