Column: “Last Mile,” customer choice and the value of public-private partnerships

Last week’s announcement from Cape Ann Transportation Authority about the on-demand public transit pilot project to connect MBTA rail stations in Gloucester with employers in the city is an example of how public-private partnerships should work.

CATA On-Demand uses an Uber-like customized ride-hailing mobile phone application from VIA, an international transit technology company. Requests through the app will match passengers with destinations and provide directions for pick up and drop off resulting in shorter, more convenient, lower cost commutes.