TRC’s inaugural State of On-Demand Transit Report reveals a transit revolution
Groundbreaking report explores the meteoric rise of innovation in modern public transit
December 11, 2024 – New York, New York, USA: The Routing Company (“TRC”) today released its inaugural State of On-Demand Transit Report, an in-depth analysis of the key trends and technologies transforming public transit globally. This comprehensive report covers a year of progress through 2024, and offers valuable insights for all stakeholders in the public transit industry, positioning itself as a critical resource in the ongoing evolution of urban mobility.
With the global on-demand transportation market projected to grow from $184.9 billion in 2023 to $770.8 billion by 2032, the report highlights why this shift represents an unparalleled opportunity for transit agencies to rethink how they operate.
The ability of on-demand transit (“ODT”) to drive operational efficiency, lower cost per ride, and adapt to changing demands makes it a pivotal tool for modernizing transit systems. With its capacity for rapid deployment – often in just weeks – ODT offers agencies a faster, more scalable alternative to traditional fixed-route solutions.
“Public transit is at a pivotal moment,” said James Cox, CEO of The Routing Company. “As rider expectations evolve and operators look to increase the utilization of their assets, cities and communities must embrace new strategies to provide efficient, flexible, and equitable transit. This report not only captures the progress being made but also equips leaders with the knowledge to shape the future of mobility. The adoption of on-demand transit is still in its early days, and we’re doing everything we can to empower agencies in understanding, assessing, and deploying integrated transit solutions.”
Inaugural Report Available for Download Now
The report highlights on-demand transit as an effective solution for diverse communities, addressing challenges like service equity, operational efficiency, and accessibility in both urban and rural environments.
The One Transit operational model, which integrates on-demand, fixed-route, and paratransit services, further underscores this vision by breaking down traditional silos to create a seamless rider experience across all modes.
By adopting One Transit, agencies can improve connectivity in low-density areas, enhance accessibility in urban centers, and maximize resource efficiency. Communities implementing this model are experiencing increased service equity, reduced costs, and the flexibility to adapt to real-time rider demand, setting a new standard for modern public transit systems.
The “State of On-demand Transit Report” covering a year of progress in 2024 is available for download now at theroutingcompany.com/odtreport.
Key Findings from the Report
- Unprecedented Market Growth: The global on-demand transportation market is expected to grow by over 300% by 2032, fueled by urbanization, technological advancements, and the need for more sustainable transit solutions.
- Operational Successes: Agencies adopting on-demand transit models have reported significant increases in efficiency, including shorter wait times, better seat and resource utilization, and reduced operational costs in both urban and rural settings.
- Global Trends in Mobility: Communities in North America, Europe, and beyond are integrating flexible services with traditional fixed-route systems, enabling transit networks to deliver greater coverage and equity.
- Funding for Innovation: Increased federal and state funding is accelerating adoption, with programs like the U.S. Department of Transportation’s $100 million SMART grant and the $120 million ATTAIN grant initiatives, which support integrated mobility solutions across the U.S. In addition, recent American ballot measure results underscore the widespread support of transit in America, with voters nationwide demonstrating a remarkable 87% approval rate for public transit initiatives.
- Speed to Launch: On-demand transit solutions can be deployed in a matter of weeks, allowing agencies to respond quickly to changing demands and launch efficient, flexible services with minimal downtime.
A Must-Read for Transit Leaders and Communities
This report is more than just a snapshot of the current state of transit – it’s a call to action for leaders in public transit and community planning to rethink how people move. By showcasing case studies from communities like California’s Fairfield, Washington’s Kitsap County, and the UK’s West Sussex, the report illustrates the tangible benefits of adopting on-demand transit.
From improving service coverage in rural areas to reducing operational costs in dense urban hubs, the findings highlight how flexible transit can reshape mobility across a wide spectrum of geographies.
“This report is essential reading for anyone involved in shaping, designing, and deploying the future of mobility,” Cox added. “It captures the urgency of adopting innovative transit models and provides a clear vision for how we can move forward.”
In November 2024, TRC also introduced the industry’s first On-demand Transit (ODT) Buyer’s Guide, a first-of-its-kind resource designed to help transit agencies navigate the process of selecting and deploying on-demand technology. While the Buyer’s Guide – available for download on APTA’s Knowledge Hub – focuses on the practical steps of evaluating and implementing on-demand solutions, the State of On-demand Transit Report provides the broader industry context, offering data and insights into why these solutions are critical for the future of mobility. Together, these tools empower agencies with both strategic insights and actionable guidance.
The Routing Company’s Pingo™ platform, which includes the Drive Pingo™ and Ride Pingo™ apps and the Pingo Dashboard™ operations tool, has powered over two million trips to date, helping agencies deliver efficient, flexible, and scalable transit services.
To learn more about how TRC is moving the world, visit theroutingcompany.com or request a demo by emailing move@theroutingcompany.com.
About The Routing Company
The Routing Company (“TRC”) is a leader in on-demand transit technology, offering solutions that empower cities to create smarter, more accessible transportation networks. Founded by MIT researchers and rideshare industry veterans, TRC delivers routing from multiple points of demand to one vehicle while enabling greater transit equity, accessibility, cost efficiency, and sustainability. Its leading product, the Pingo™ app, offers on-demand or advance trip requests and can operate in on-demand, flex, fixed, shuttle, or paratransit mode.
With a team spanning eight countries, TRC directly supports international operations and customer growth through hubs in Canada, Hungary, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Learn more at theroutingcompany.com.
Media Inquiries
Lindy Norris
Vice President, Marketing & Policy
Investor Inquiries
James Cox
Chief Executive Officer
