Electric ‘Jitneys’ Seek to Close Last-Mile Gaps

Two Black-owned Chicago companies want to use on-demand transportation to fill critical gaps in the city’s transit infrastructure. As Audrey F. Henderson writes in NextCity, Jitney EV and GEST are harking back to the informal jitneys that served Black residents when white cab companies often wouldn’t. Now, the two companies hope to bring electric, on-demand transportation to some of Chicago’s most underserved neighborhoods.

The services are not meant to compete with long-distance transportation to places like the city’s airports or suburbs. Rather, they’re designed to provide the short trips that many taxi and ride-hailing operators don’t want to make. “Their efforts are specifically targeting the ‘last mile’ gap between public transit stops and destinations such as grocery stores, banks and entertainment, along with providing an option for reliable transportation to and from work for residents within its service area,” said William “Billy” Davis, general manager for Jitney EV.

While it could be argued that more car-based services, even electric ones, could add to congestion, the companies argue that “Hyperlocal services could be a key factor in the ultimate goal of not only eliminating gasoline vehicles, but of reducing dependence on cars in the first place.” Meanwhile, free rides can connect more residents to jobs and essential services without the burden of transit costs.