On Wednesday, Eno released a new study on rural transit in the U.S. titled Connecting Communities: Options and Considerations for Enhancing Rural Transit. Conducted in partnership with the German Embassy, this report explores a persistent challenge facing rural America – how to provide reliable, equitable, and financially sustainable public transportation in places where density is low, distances are long, and providing transit is costly.

Nearly 66 million Americans live in rural areas. These communities are often home to older populations, a greater percentage of people with disabilities, and lower-income households, which are all groups that rely disproportionately on public transit. While the need is evident, there are numerous obstacles to providing transit in these smaller urban and rural cities including limited funding, low density, and a high reliance on personal vehicles. The lack of mobility options can be extremely limiting to individuals, significantly impacting quality of life, but it can also have major implications for the economy, public health outcomes, education options, and other factors for these cities and regions.

Case Studies

The report focuses on Meridian, Mississippi as a specific case study but relies on lessons learned from other U.S. cities to examine effective strategies for transit provision. These include the following:

• Vicksburg, Mississippi (Fixed-Route Service): A traditional bus system, demonstrating the strengths of centralized routes in moderately dense areas.
• Bay Transit Express, Virginia (On-Demand Microtransit and Fixed-Route Hybrid): An on-demand service blended with fixed routes, highlighting the potential of flexible models to reduce costs and improve rider experience.
• Kyle, Texas (Uber Partnership): A fast-growing city near Austin, Texas that has leveraged rideshare technology to subsidize affordable rides for residents.
• Monrovia, California (Lyft Partnership with Bikeshare): An agreement that replaced a costly dial-a-ride program with subsidized Lyft rides and shared bikes, showing the role of private partnerships in expanding access.

The report explores the trade-offs associated with each strategy. For example, a fixed-route system has been more effective in Vicksburg, a city that has developed in a more concentrated manner with a compact downtown, but Bay Transit Express is moving away from a fixed-route system to an on-demand service to better meet the needs of residents and visitors. The microtransit system offers flexibility and shorter wait times, but it did require investment in scheduling technology to increase efficiency. Rideshare partnerships provide similar convenience but can be cost-prohibitive and must be designed with accessibility in mind.

Funding and Resources

As mentioned above, one of the most prevalent issues for providing transit is cost. Transit can be very cost prohibitive in many regions – specifically in these lower density regions. The report highlights multiple federal funding resources, as well as training programs and other technical assistance resources, available to transit providers in these regions. These funding sources, coupled with state and local contributions and other partnerships, can enable these smaller regions to provide a level of service that increases the opportunities available to residents.

Meridian, Mississippi

For Meridian, Mississippi specifically, the city formerly offered a fixed-route service but has since transitioned to an on-demand service provided by Choctaw Transit, which serves multiple counties in the region. Riders can book trips a day in advance, offering critical access to jobs, healthcare, and education. However, service limitations and funding challenges continue to be issues for providing a robust service. The study’s recommendations for Meridian, such as leveraging nonprofit partners, illustrate how small cities can tailor transit to their unique needs while managing financial constraints.

Why it Matters

Rural transit is about more than getting people from place to place. Strong mobility systems support local businesses, attract investment, create jobs, and cut emissions. They also expand opportunity by connecting residents without cars to healthcare, education, and employment. In short, transit strengthens communities and improves quality of life. This report adds to the national conversation on how to meet the needs of rural regions and their most vulnerable residents. While challenges remain, communities have the tools to build better systems. Success depends not only on funding, but also on political will, community support, and smart use of technology. With thoughtful planning and investment, rural areas can expand mobility, promote equity, and ensure no one is left behind.