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Study recommends two-zone pilot for Laredo microtransit; consultants flag costs and marketing needs
Summary
Consultants from Goodman Corporation presented a microtransit feasibility study to the Laredo MPO policy committee, recommending a two-zone pilot using existing El Metro vehicles, estimating start-up and operating ranges by zone, and stressing marketing, transfers and funding options including FTA demand-response resources.
LAREDO, May 21 — Consultants from the Goodman Corporation on Wednesday presented a microtransit feasibility study to the Laredo Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Committee and recommended a two-zone pilot that would pair with El Metro’s fixed-route and paratransit services.
The study, presented by Manisha Scribe of Goodman Corporation, concluded that “microtransit would be another transit mode that would complement these services,” and recommended piloting Zone 1 (North Laredo) and Zone 3 (West Laredo) before wider rollout.
Why it matters: Committee members and El Metro officials framed microtransit as a tool to expand coverage in lower-ridership areas, serve developing neighborhoods and reduce “coverage gaps” that fixed routes do not reach. The consultant emphasized that microtransit is flexible to change, but initial service design, marketing and transfer policies will shape whether riders adopt it.
Key findings and recommendations - Goodman developed five candidate service zones by analyzing low-performing fixed routes (the three circulators C1–C3 and route 8) and local land uses. The firm recommended…
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