The city of Houston this week launched an app for its Community Connector shuttle service as part of a ten-month pilot project.
"Taking a cue from ride-hailing services, the Metropolitan Transit Authority plans to debut an app next week that will allow riders to book trips with its existing on-demand shuttles," reports Dug Begley in a paywalled article for the Houston Chronicle.
"Once it goes live Sept. 8 in two areas, the app will bring an Uber-like interaction to shuttle users in Metro’s three established Community Connector zones, including the ability to rate the service and the driver," adds Begley.
The app, called curb2curb, adds a new way to access existing on-demand transit service through the Community Connector service, launched simultaneously with Houston's vaunted bus system redesign in 2015.
The app is being launched in a 10-month pilot project, reports Begley. The pilot "will study whether an app and so-called microtransit services such as neighborhood shuttles serve a demand in Houston that makes financial sense." The curb2curb app will be offered for Community Connector service in three parts of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County service area: Missouri City, Acres Homes, and a large area north of Kashmere Gardens.
FULL STORY: Transit on demand: Metro launches app to boost neighborhood shuttle program
Houston Council Member Questions Microtransit Investment
METRO’s support of an on-demand microtransit service comes as the agency is scaling back its bigger bus projects.
New App Would Enable On-Demand Public Transit
As transportation network companies like Uber and Bridj make it easier for some to opt out of the public transit system, a new app would help transit agencies offer more user-centric services.
A Brief History of Kansas City’s Microtransit
The city’s costly experiment with on-demand transit is yielding to more strategic investment.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
Supporting Cycling Takes More Than Just Bike Lanes
Safe, protected bike lanes are a key part of a city’s bike infrastructure — but secure parking, e-bike charging, and other amenities can also influence people’s shift to cycling.
Judge Blocks Anti-DEI Rules for Transportation, Housing Grants
A second injunction blocks the Trump administration from enforcing new regulations for federal funding.
Unhoused People in San Jose Could Face Arrest if They Refuse Shelter
A policy proposed by the city’s mayor would give law enforcement the option to arrest homeless residents if they refuse three offers of housing.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)