Public transit shortfalls in Greater Grand Forks potentially addressable through microtransit, reveals new study
The Grand Forks-East Grand Forks Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is working on a study to determine the feasibility and potential implementation of microtransit services for Cities Area Transit (CAT). The finalized study is making its way through the MPO's committees, with a final approval expected in August.
Microtransit, a flexible and on-demand public transportation system, could significantly improve public transit availability in currently underserved or unserved areas of East Grand Forks. This innovative service combines aspects of CAT's current fixed-route and dial-a-ride services, offering door-to-door or near-door service, cost-effective and flexible alternatives, improved connectivity, and the potential reduction of transit deserts.
While there are no direct, current details about microtransit services in East Grand Forks, the successful deployment of microtransit in cities like Sioux Falls, SD, suggests it could be a viable solution for North Dakota cities with lower population densities or transit gaps.
The study, which started last fall, is now focused on an implementation plan. Teri Kouba, MPO Senior Planner, has stated that the goal is to increase the ridership of the service. The study estimates that microtransit could increase ridership by around 5,000 trips, depending on how fixed-route services are adjusted.
If approved, the implementation of microtransit services is likely to start in 2027. East Grand Forks City Council received a presentation about the idea during its July 22 work session.
In microtransit, riders request to be picked up and walk to a designated stop for pickup, unlike dial-a-ride services that pick up riders directly at their homes. This system aims to address the "first and last mile" problem, where bus routes drop people off at a location, but riders have to find another way to get to their actual home.
Areas of both Grand Forks and East Grand Forks that currently lack public transit services could benefit from the implementation of microtransit. For instance, many parts of East Grand Forks, the southwest industrial park of Grand Forks, and far southern Grand Forks could see improved service levels.
Council member Ben Pokrzywinski has suggested that the proposal could be a better fit for the city's needs, while East Grand Forks City Council member Dale Helms expressed skepticism about the move and the potential elimination of the limited fixed-route services.
For confirmed and detailed status, one would need to consult local government or transit authority plans for East Grand Forks specifically.
- The proposed implementation of microtransit services in East Grand Forks could offer a more flexible and cost-effective public transportation option, combining elements from traditional bus services and dial-a-ride systems.
- The deployment of microtransit is expected to improve service levels in areas like Southwest industrial park of Grand Forks, far southern Grand Forks, and parts of East Grand Forks that currently lack public transit.
- The success of microtransit in reducing transit deserts, improving connectivity, and potentially increasing ridership has been demonstrated in cities like Sioux Falls, SD, leading the industry to explore its potential finite for the Grand Forks-East Grand Forks metropolitan area.
