Lesson
Part of: Toward Efficient Informal Urban Transit

Informal Transit Systems

BOOKMARK

Informal transit systems are transit modes that are not planned citywide by a municipal authority, but rather are private systems that spring up to meet demand.

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