What is the categorical name for transit services between personal vehicles and buses?

The categorical name for transit services that operate between personal vehicles and buses is para-transit. Para-transit typically refers to flexible transportation services that complement traditional public transit. This can include vehicles that pick up passengers on demand or at designated spots, primarily serving areas that are not well-covered by fixed-route bus services.

Para-transit is particularly important for individuals who may have mobility challenges, live in areas where regular bus routes do not reach, or require transportation outside regular transit hours. By functioning between personal vehicles and traditional bus services, para-transit creates a vital link that improves overall public transportation accessibility, supporting community needs and promoting mobility for all users.

In contrast, regular transit generally refers to standard public bus services with set routes and schedules, fixed-route pertains to well-defined transit routes that operate on a consistent schedule, and light rail describes a specific type of rail transit service that operates on tracks, typically for urban transportation. Recognizing the unique role of para-transit helps in understanding multimodal transportation networks.