Similar to microtransit on demand programs in other cities, Los Angeles' ongoing experiment is proving to be very expensive (for the public) for the benefit of very few riders.
"A half-year into Metro and Via’s year-long 'Mobility on Demand' pilot shows that ride-hail continues to be an expensive way to provide mobility for very few riders," reports Joe Linton.
The Via pilot launched in January 2019, with funding assistance from the federal government, offering on-demand, fixed-price ride-hailing services in the hopes of providing first-last mile connections to and from several specific stations in the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority system.
"Last month, Metro released its five-page second quarter update report showing the latest statistics for the transit-on-demand pilot," according to Linton. While ridership with the program is growing, thanks to expensive efforts to grow ridership, "total ridership is still dismal," writes Linton.
"With a $1.75 million Metro expenditure for one year – 260 weekdays in that year, Metro is spending $6,730 per day for these rides. 1,675 rides per week translates to 335 rides per day. 335 rides for $6,730 means that each ride is costing Metro $20.09 (that is just Metro’s cost – these also cost FTA and forgo Via’s “risk sharing”)."
Read the full story: Six Months in, Metro/Via Mobility on Demand Pilot is an Expensive Flop
L.A. Metro Jumps Into the Ridesharing Business
The Los Angeles County metropolitan Transportation Authority announced the launch of a one-year pilot program for on demand ridesharing, otherwise known as microtransit.
Controversial North Hollywood-Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit Line Approved
A controversial project to connect the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys by bus rapid transit has final approval. Los Angeles, Glendale, Burbank, and Pasadena will have a new connecting transit line as soon as 2024.
Feds Release Capital Investment Grants for Three Rail Transit Projects
Three major public transit projects in the western United States received a major infusion of funding from the federal government this week.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Eastern Nebraska is running out of electricity
Data centers and electrification are straining eastern Nebraska’s grid, throttling economic development.
Study reveals best places in the U.S. for cycling, walking
New research from Streetlight Data examines bicycle and pedestrian miles per capita in the 100 largest U.S. cities by population.
Federal government nominates new FTA administrator
Mark Aesch is currently the founder and CEO of a transportation management consulting firm.
Developers reveal $10 billion stadium plan as ‘Hail Mary’ to keep Bears in Chicago
The plan would also boast a public park, high- and mid-rise buildings and a youth sports complex.
As Texas embraces carbon storage, a Black community questions the risks
Texas now issues permits for companies to store carbon dioxide underground. East Texas residents fear safety risks, and skeptics doubt the climate benefits.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Charlotte
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello