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Microtransit and Dial-a-Ride Study

A Sun Van waits to make a turn at an intersection.

What is Microtransit?

Microtransit is a service model used to serve areas that have difficulty accessing or no access to regular bus service. Similar to private on-demand services, such as Uber and Lyft, microtransit users can reserve and pay for trips online and receive same day service, usually within a 10-to-30-minute window, whether using personal computers or personal mobile devices connected to the internet. Riders are typically picked up at their preferred location and taken to their preferred destination (curb-to-curb service). Microtransit trips are shared with other riders that have destinations in the same service area to increase efficiency and improve air quality.

PAG, through the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), provides fixed-route and dial-a-ride transit services across the region. Completed in December 2025, the PAG Dial-a-Ride and Microtransit Service Area Analysis evaluates existing public transit service in Pima County, identifies service gaps, and assesses the feasibility of implementing microtransit services. The study also identifies opportunities to improve existing dial-a-ride service.

Supported by a robust public engagement process and stakeholder input, the study examines socioeconomic and demographic factors to identify areas of high transit demand and unmet mobility needs throughout the greater Tucson region and Ajo, particularly in rural communities with limited or no existing transit service.

The plan identifies thirteen opportunity zones for potential future microtransit implementation and includes a transit feasibility study for the Picture Rocks and Vail communities. Each opportunity zone was evaluated for projected ridership, capital and operating costs, and emissions impacts. The plan also outlines phasing and implementation considerations for future microtransit deployment if pursued.

The Dial-a-Ride and Microtransit Service Area Analysis includes the following goals:

  • Explore the feasibility of providing microtransit service in areas that lack access to transit
  • Identify poor performing routes that could be replaced with microtransit services
  • Evaluate existing dial-a-ride services and opportunities for service improvement
  • Explore the feasibility of upgrading dial-a-ride service to microtransit to improve service provided to the community
  • Identify general recommendations that could improve and strengthen current service across the service area
  • Identify potential transit service models that could serve Picture Rocks and Vail
  • Identify appropriate microtransit service models
  • Prepare a microtransit implementation plan, if microtransit service is feasible
  • Evaluate air quality impacts through increased transit use and reduction of single occupancy vehicles

Final Plan Documents

View the ArcGIS StoryMap for a summary of the study and key findings.