Examining Public Transit Service Integration Strategies with Innovative Private Mobility Providers

Over the past decade, private shared and on-demand mobility options have gained traction and substantially impacted the way people access transportation services. At the same time, transit agencies in the United States have faced significant challenges, including decreasing ridership patterns and the disruptive effects of the pandemic. These trends have pushed public agencies to explore new strategies of service provision, and the integration with private mobility services has become a focal point of interest and concern. This dissertation employs a mixed-methods approach to examine the adoption and outcomes of integration strategies between public and private transportation providers. It includes an in-depth case study of the Chicago Metropolitan Area, drawing on 18 interviews with public and private stakeholders, and a nationwide survey of 180 transit agencies that examines how factors such as agency size, geographic settings, and institutional priorities influence the design and implementation of different integration strategies. By adopting the perspective of public transit agencies, this dissertation contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of public-private partnerships in addressing service gaps and enhancing mobility. It also reflects on the underlying dynamics that influence public sector choices. Ultimately, the study emphasizes the importance of tailoring integration strategies to local needs and contextual characteristics. The findings offer insights for transit agencies and policymakers to navigate the evolving mobility landscape and to design effective, context-sensitive integration strategies.