How Rural Transit Systems Are Doing More With Less
Matheson and Couvillon, both mayors of small Georgia towns, say "Public transit has always looked different in communities like ours," with needs that fixed-route bus systems and trains can't meet as efficiently as in big cities.
But there is another, game-changing approach, write Matheson and Couvillon. "We’re using technology to run our own on-demand transit services that are efficient and are drastically expanding access to affordable, convenient and reliable transit. We launched these innovative transit services in a matter of months — not years or decades — by focusing on outcomes for who we want to serve and embracing new ways that get us there."
Valdosta, where Matheson is mayor, launched an on-demand public transit service that has received over 14,000 ride requests per month. Gainesville, the city where Couvillon serves as mayor, "launched WeGo to replace three underperforming fixed routes and immediately saw dramatic improvements," quickly expanding the program to the entire county.