M i x ed F l eet s The Future of Microtransit and Paratransit Implementing mixed fleets is integral to rebuilding ridership while keeping rider and transit agency flexibility at the forefront. By Kristoffer Vik Hansen, contributor R iders around the world change their behaviors and habits around how and when they access public transportation. Whether it's to go to the grocery store, the doctor's office or run errands, riders want to be able to book a ride that allows them the flexibility to move around rather than fit their schedule around fixed travel options. This isn't new: Behaviors even prior to the pandemic showed that riders are opting for ride hailing alternatives for flexible travel. In 2018, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) reported reduced ridership partly due to competition from Transportation Network Companies (TNCs), with 106 million rides equaling 44 percent of bus ridership. TNC vehicles in San Francisco are estimated to contribute to a fifth of local driving miles per day. Research suggests ride hailing is replacing the use of public transportation, providing plenty of benefits, including low wait times and flexibility. Many demand-responsive mobility services offered by transit " Whether it's to go to the grocery store, the doctor's office or run errands, riders want to be able to book a ride that allows them the flexibility to move around rather than fit their schedule around fixed travel options. " -KRISTOFFER VIK HANSEN 32 | Mass Transit | MassTransitmag.com | NOVEMBER 2022 210011480 | Macrovector Art | Dreamstimehttp://www.MassTransitmag.com