Using micro-transit for first/last mile travel from Rutherford GO Station

The City of Vaughan wants to conduct a pilot study to assess the feasibility of using a micro-transit system around the Rutherford Go Transit commuter station to reduce reliance on automobile drive-and-park conditions. This would be an on-demand service with contracted vehicles supported by a software application customers would use to request trips online. The same application would provide service drivers with route directions and pick-up/drop-off locations. City staff would monitor the service operator through a dashboard.

The primary service area would cover approximately 74,800 residents. The city anticipates that the solution being piloted in this study would reduce annual vehicle distance travelled by 7,000 km and save local users of Rutherford GO Station about 3,600 hours of travel time. The primary environmental benefit would be an annual reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2,100 kg of CO2e, but traffic congestion, noise and idling time would also all be reduced. Further, a micro-transit system would support the construction of other major city projects that are expected to disrupt parking availability, and would reduce traffic congestion at and around the Rutherford GO station.

The city will carefully monitor the system’s performance using several metrics. It will work closely with the selected operator to ensure performance measurement is supported by accurate and readily available data. Should the proposed project prove successful, its successes can be used to directly influence future transit service planning in Vaughan and other areas of York Region that want to shift away from single-occupant vehicles.

The study is aligned with the goals and objectives of several existing municipal policies and plans, including the City of Vaughan Official Plan, the Transportation Master Plan, and Green Directions Vaughan (which includes the city's Environmental Master Plan).

This application is eligible because it aims to achieve or exceed the following objectives: The project demonstrates the potential to reduce vehicle kilometres travelled for a target population by encouraging alternative modes of travel.

Innovative aspect(s):

This study will provide knowledge on the application of micro-transit systems to address the challenge of connecting transit riders to the first/last mile of their journeys, particularly when conventional transit and other forms of transportation are not feasible.

Replicability:

This study can be replicated at other key mobility hubs across the City of Vaughan as well as other fast-growing municipalities in the York Region that are experiencing similar challenges related to lacking first/last mile transportation options and increasing traffic congestion. In particular, two transit centres could be considered for a future replication of this study: Maple GO Station and Vaughan Metropolitan Centre.

Environmental benefits:

• The net annual reduction of vehicle kilometers travelled during the one-year duration of this pilot study would be 7,000 km
• The net annual reduction of greenhouse gas emissions would be 2,000 kg CO2e
• The estimated average reduction in station access travel time for micro-transit users over the full year of the pilot is estimated to be 3,600 hours
• Traffic congestion, noise and idling time would all be reduced

Economic benefits:

Expanding first/last mile choices for commuters to access GO stations will increase transit ridership and provide users with a more economical and sustainable alternative for their daily commute.

Social benefits:

• The new solution for first/last mile transit will provide universal and barrier-free access for residents of all ages and abilities (aligning with the city’s accessibility policy, and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act)
• The city’s implementation plan will include public education and awareness on sustainable first/last mile mobility options