On-demand transit is autonomous technology-enabled shared public transportation service. Passengers use an app to book, pay and track their rides while drivers use the app to validate rider fares, including cash, passes, and contactless options, as well as receive dynamically routed pick-up and drop-off instructions. Driver manifests are continuously re-optimized based on rider demand and changing traffic conditions to ensure the most efficient route is taken each time.
These services fill the gap between single occupancy vehicles, or transportation network companies (TNCs), and fixed route mass public transit, such as buses and trains. On-demand transit is typically implemented by cities and transit agencies in low-density neighborhoods or areas where fixed-route services are not effective as a reliable and efficient public transportation option for their residents and is usually operated with minivans, shuttles or minibuses.