Executive Summary

Connecting Communities: Options and Considerations for Enhancing Rural Transit was developed out of a partnership between the Eno Center for Transportation and the German Embassy to explore different strategies and innovative approaches to providing transit in rural cities and regions. The study examines the persistent obstacles for rural communities to provide equitable, efficient, and financially sustainable transit options and evaluates potential solutions.

Rural areas face a range of challenges in providing public transportation. Rural populations are often older, lower-income, and more likely to have disabilities, which increases the importance of providing public transportation services. However, the low population density, dispersed development patterns, and limited public resources contribute to a high reliance on personal vehicles and difficulty providing high-quality transit at financially sustainable costs. Because of these factors, traditional methods of transit provision, like fixed-route systems, can be ineffective and costly to operate in rural areas. While some rural areas do provide fixed-route service, many areas are seeking other models that prioritize flexibility and lower costs instead of regularly scheduled service routes. These different models include on-demand service, where rides can be scheduled in advance with specific pick-up and drop-off locations, as well as models relying on partnerships with rideshare companies.

In this study, the Eno research team developed a series of case studies of transit provision in communities across the country to evaluate best practices, including the following:

• Fixed-route service: Provided by NRoute in Vicksburg, Mississippi
• On-Demand Microtransit and Fixed Route Hybrid Service: Provided by Bay Transit Express in Virginia
• Uber Transit Partnership: Provided in Kyle, Texas
• Lyft Rideshare Partnership: Provided in Monrovia, California

The report also examines the city of Meridian, Mississippi in greater depth, looking at both transit needs and service provision, and identifying challenges and opportunities for the region. The resulting analysis includes factors that are unique to Meridian as well as considerations that are comparable to other locations.

In analyzing these case studies, the report outlines the strengths and limitations of each transit model, evaluating them through key criteria such as operating costs, rider affordability, service flexibility, accessibility, geographic coverage, and infrastructure needs. It also identifies a range of resources available to rural transit providers, including federal funding opportunities. Beyond funding, the report emphasizes the importance of building public and political support, implementing services strategically, and leveraging modern technology to improve access and usability.

Findings suggest that fixed route systems remain an important option, particularly in moderately dense areas with centralized destinations, however new approaches to providing on-demand transit – particularly through microtransit providers like Via – offer important benefits including greater flexibility, shorter wait times, and more inclusive service. Rideshare partnerships, such as those with Uber and Lyft, provide the highest level of user convenience but can be cost-prohibitive and less accessible to individuals with disabilities if not accommodated properly.

Although rural transit presents significant structural challenges, this report offers a practical roadmap for communities to achieve critical transit priorities, outlining available federal resources and comparing different service models, including their respective benefits and trade-offs. With the right tools and support, rural transit systems can improve access to essential services, promote greater equity, strengthen local economies, and enhance overall quality of life.