What is the First Mile/Last Mile problem?

Commonly referred to as the "First Mile/Last Mile Problem" or "Last Mile Problem", is a problem that faces public transit, especially in the United States. Just think of the following scenario. Would you walk over a mile to catch the bus to get to work? Or would you rather just drive your automobile to work? Well it might be easier to drive, but also for many, that might not be the case.

In many American cities some public transit routes may be inefficient and infrequent. However, people still use these routes for transit needs. But not all live near a transit stop and have to get to the transit stop sometimes from more than half a mile.

This is called the first mile/last mile problem. Majority of people are comfortable walking a certain distance to a transit stop. However typically, with increased distance from the transit stop, problems arise when a potential rider is further than a “comfortable distance” to the necessary fixed-route stop. This is what the problem is.

So what are some solutions to this issue? Well rerouting transit stops to cater transit rider needs can be done, providing newer express transit routes is another method, implementing micromobility solutions such as ebikes, escooters to be used by riders to get to transit stops. Microtransit pooling services could be another solution. Land use solutions such as transit oriented development can be a great solution.

While each solution comes with some challenges, the first/last mile issue is one that is quite prominent in many American cities. The solutions to fix this issue are present, but will require the due diligence of local governments and transportation agencies to take the lead. In doing so will lead to more people favoring alternative transportation choices away from automobiles.

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[amylovinglife]

This was so interesting!

Could you possibly do a video on different planning systems that exist in the world?

[jeffvance]

First, I really believe that "comfortable distance" is extremely short...distance to a storefront in a driving rain, for example. Second, when I arrive at the "Stop" for my mass transit vehicle and leg of the journey, I'm once again left to the elements in too many cases. I suggest the mass transit pickup points need to be as comfortable and useful as waiting inside a large convenience store, coffee shop, retail mall, etc, with seats or browsing(shopping) options. The last mile vehicle should pickup and drop off at or extremely near the end of my driveway, which would truly demand a fixed route with predictable pickup times, 24/7. Make my ride truly a possession...something I can count on, like my car being just a short sprint in that driving rain, and my only inconvenience was dropping my keys before entering my vehicles protective cabin. Why would you expect me to give up this convenience to wait in the sun, rain, snow, splashing of passing vehicles, long waits, inconvenient route times, etc., etc., etc. ? Why? To save the planet? I'm not that generous, or needy. I worked to make sure I would never be that needy. Now, build a system that makes me think I have my own personal driver. Then I'll gladly get on board, and pay a healthy sum to do so.

[tommyshobalongdong]

Make more videos dammit. The world needs you..