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Mobility Austin pushes city to expand on‑demand van service citywide
Summary
A Mobility Austin representative urged the Urban Transportation Commission to support citywide on‑demand hybrid van transit, citing neighborhoods not served by fixed-route bus service and the ability of on‑demand systems to improve access to rec centers and other local destinations.
During the public‑comment period on March 4, Larry Acres of Mobility Austin asked the Urban Transportation Commission to consider an expansion of on‑demand van transit citywide.
Acres said the proposal is an expansion concept similar to CapMetro’s existing Pickup service and would operate citywide as a hybrid on‑demand van network. He told the commission that many Austin neighborhoods lack transit that will get riders to nearby public meetings or recreation centers and described a case where a resident’s only public‑transit option to a meeting was a 1.6‑mile walk along a busy corridor with no sidewalks.
"The answer to this is on demand van transit," Acres said. He argued the approach offers better mobility for people with disabilities and households without vehicles, and that at scale an on‑demand system can be cost‑competitive with fixed‑route options. Acres said Mobility Austin had discussed the model with Via (a provider of on‑demand services) and that the Parks Board had passed a resolution urging the City to consider similar services to improve access to recreational facilities.
Why it matters: Mobility advocates argue on‑demand van services can provide first‑mile/last‑mile access and serve low‑demand areas cost‑effectively. City staff did not act on the comment at the meeting; the item was a public comment rather than part of the commission’s agenda.
Ending: The commission heard Acres’ request and did not take action. Commissioners and staff may consider the idea as part of future service or bond discussions.
