Private shuttles provide shared transportation services for employment centers, commercial areas, and large residential developments, addressing first/last mile challenges and reducing Single Occupancy Vehicle trips.
Private shared transportation/shuttles provide connections to and from commercial, office, or retail destinations. The measure directly addresses the first and last mile connectivity issue, incentivizing a shift from private Single Occupancy Vehicles, which reduces VMT. CAPCOA recommends private shuttle programs to serve employment centers or regional nodes, especially where fixed-route transit is infeasible. These services can support ADA accessibility and reduce commute VMT.
For more details, see CAPCOA, T-8. Provide Ridesharing Program, pg. 92-94 and CAPCOA, T-11. Provide Employer-Sponsored Vanpool, pg. 104-108 which shows VMT reductions.
Shuttles serving tribal lands, farmworker housing, or unincorporated communities can fill key access gaps where fixed-route transit is infeasible. Equity outcomes depend on low-cost fares, ADA compliance, and partnerships with community organizations.
Operations would generally be funded by participating employers, property owners, institutions, event venues, or TMA/TMO organizations. Public agencies can support planning, coordination, or pilot programs through transportation demand management and clean transportation funding. Potential sources include the Valley Air District’s transportation incentive programs, Low Carbon Transit Operations Program, CMAQ, STBG, and local transportation funding. The Valley Air District currently provides funding opportunities for qualifying shuttle services and park-and-ride facilities in its district.
Solano County’s First/Last Mile Program is designed to assist commuters in connecting with transit hubs for the initial or final leg of their trips. This program aims to bridge the gap for those using alternative transportation modes such as transit, carpool, vanpool, or active transportation.
One key feature of the program is its partnership with Lyft, which offers subsidized rides. Participants in the program can receive up to 60% off their Lyft fare, capped at $20, when commuting to or from public transit hubs in Solano County, including the Vallejo Ferry Terminal. Qualifying low-income participants can benefit from an even higher discount of 80%.
The Valley Air District offers transportation funding that can support qualifying shuttle services and park-and-ride facilities. The program provides up to $6,000 per qualifying shuttle and is available to eligible public and private organizations within the district. Because Stanislaus County is within the Valley Air District, this provides a particularly relevant funding and implementation model.
