Yet today jitneys are able to compete with subsidized public transit in cities like New York and Miami, where they are mostly illegal, and San Diego, where they are legal. The regulations that restrict the private provision of shuttles and jitneys are largely motivated by public transit's dislike of competition. Just as the LA streetcar companies clamored for protection from the jitneys in 1915, most modern transit agencies oppose the introduction of private transit service. Yet, many jitney riders would not otherwise ride city buses. A study in Miami found that only 25 percent of jitney passengers were would-be public transit riders.
Riders prefer the jitneys to public buses for a variety of reasons.
The jitney trip is quicker, there is always a seat, and the driver will not let disorderly or threatening passengers on the vehicle. Also, many minority riders enjoy a jitney whose driver speaks their native tongue. The fact is, these private carriers offer service and innovation that public transit firms cannot compete with. To improve mobility and reduce solo car driving, public officials should encourage shuttles and jitneys, not harass entrepreneurs. Many at OCTA agree and would like to advance private transit services.