In 2019, NTD released guidance related to shared mobility services as a clarification in the NTD Reporting Policy Manual. See below for key questions and details related to Transportation Network Company (TNC) reporting. Please note, this content was adapted from Appendix E: Shared Mobility Services & National Transit Database Reporting.

At a Glance

If your agency reports to the NTD and contracts with a Transportation Network Company (TNC) for on-demand, shared mobility service, you may be required to include data for this service in your NTD report under the Demand Response (DR) mode and the TNC type of service (notated as ‘TN’ in the NTD’s Type of Service field). The shared mobility service must meet all criteria for public transportation as codified in 49 U.S.C. §5302(15).

Shared Mobility NTD Reporting Eligibility

Agencies reporting to the NTD that have partnered with on-demand, shared mobility services may refer to the chart and examples below to see if their service is reportable to the NTD.

Example 1: A transit agency contracts a ride-hailing service to provide a first/last mile solution within the community. Passengers can use a mobile app to request a ride to/from any location within the service area.

Solution: This service would be eligible for NTD reporting if the agency is paying the full cost of service (less fares), drivers and passengers cannot refuse additional passengers if there is available seating capacity, and the service operator is attempting to group all rides to facilitate shared-ride service.

Example 2: A transit agency contracts a ride-hailing service to help offset parking demand at their more heavily used passenger stations. Passengers with parking permits for these stations receive 10 free rides per month via the ride-hailing service to encourage less use of parking inventory.

Solution: This service would not be eligible for NTD reporting because it is limited to a segment of the general public (permit holders) not defined by age, disability, or low-income.

Example 3: A transit agency contracts a ride-hailing service to provide on-demand service to its paratransit riders. Riders receive a limited number of subsidized, on-demand rides per month. Customers are not guaranteed an exclusive ride.

Solution: This service would be eligible for NTD reporting if the agency is paying the full cost of service (less fares), drivers and passengers cannot refuse additional passengers if there is available seating capacity, and the service operator is attempting to group all rides to facilitate shared-ride service.