Informal Transit Systems

They are demand-driven, often unscheduled and flexible public transport services provided by small operators, in small to medium-size motorized or non-motorized vehicles, generally without effective regulatory frameworks.

 – Jennings & Behrens, 2017

They are often characterized by: 

• Unorganized (individual or small) owner-operators
• Smaller-size vehicles (mini-buses, share-taxis, or share-autos)
• Flexible schedules, with higher frequencies during peak periods
• Fixed-route services with flexible curbside pick-up and drop-off
• Some level of regulation by local authorities, although many are completely unregulated