DOI: 10.5061/dryad.r7sqv9smh
title: Dataset of underserved microtransit users in the Sacramento area, California

description: Transportation-disadvantaged populations often face significant challenges
 in meeting their basic travel needs. Microtransit, a technology-enabled
 transit mobility solution, can potentially address these issues by
 providing on-demand, affordable, and flexible services. However, the
 extent to which microtransit serves underserved populations and the
 factors influencing their adoption remain unclear. This research focuses
 on SmaRT Ride, a microtransit pilot program operated by the Sacramento
 Regional Transit (SacRT) in the Sacramento area. From early February to
 the end of May 2024, online and intercept surveys were conducted among
 underserved populations to understand their travel behavior. After data
 cleaning, 180 valid responses were collected. Descriptive analysis of the
 data shows that SmaRT Ride has significantly improved transportation
 access for these communities. Furthermore, logistic regressions were
 employed to explore factors influencing the willingness to adopt
 microtransit and differences cross microtransit users versus non-users
 with microtransit awareness. Results show that perceived usefulness, the
 extent to which an individual lacks transportation options, families with
 children under 18 benefiting from free transit services, and familiarity
 with ride-sharing services correlate positively to high intention to adopt
 microtransit; whereas the perceived high mental effort of using it works
 as a barrier and frequent light rail users are less inclined to adopt
 microtransit. For underserved individuals who are aware of microtransit,
 their homeownership, employment status, frequency of using public transit
 services, and attitude towards transit significantly affect actual
 microtransit use. This study contributes to the literature by examining a
 broad range of factors influencing microtransit use and adoption among
 underserved populations through original survey data. However, it is
 limited by its cross-sectional design and small dataset.
description: Reaching underserved communities, especially for surveys, is
 challenging due to socioeconomic and language barriers. To improve our
 sample and gather more responses to our survey, we used contacts from
 existing datasets, worked with local food banks, and identified transit
 stops and other intercept survey site recommendations from stakeholders
 such as SacRT. Additionally, multiple methods such as online, in-person,
 and telephone/text message survey recruitment methods were used to
 accommodate different preferences and access levels of underserved
 individuals.
description: Title: Dataset of underserved microtransit users in the Sacrament Area,
 California Access this dataset on Dryad:
 [https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.r7sqv9smh](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.r7sqv9smh) Dataset contents: Variables/Features: 273 variables. Detailed descriptions of these variables are provided in the attached "Variable description" Excel file. Number of Entries: 180 cases Time Frame: Data was collected From early February to the end of May 2024 Format: SPSS (.sav) Description: This dataset contains underserved populations' opinions, daily travel pattern, and use of SmaRT Ride, a microtransit pilot program operated by the Sacmento Regional Transit (SacRT) in the Sacramento area. Sampling methods used to reach underserved communities included obtaining email addresses from existing datasets for online surveys, conducting intercept surveys at food distribution sites associated with food banks, busy transit stops, and other locations recommended by stakeholders such as SacRT. Reaching underserved communities is very challenging due to socioeconomic and language barriers, resulting in the achievement of a valid sample size of 180 after data cleaning. The dataset aims to enhance services for underserved individuals by identifying barriers to and facilitators of microtransit adoption.