Mini-Buses
. . . this pattern helps complete the Local Transport Areas and the Web of Public Transportation. The local transport areas rely heavily on foot traffic, and on bikes and carts and horses. The web of public transportation relies on trains and planes and buses. Both of these patterns need a more flexible kind of public transportation to support them.
Problem:
Public transportation must be able to take people from any point to any other point within the metropolitan area.
Background & Research: Not Included on the site—Go read the book!
Solution:
Establish a system of small taxi-like buses, carrying up to six people each, radio-controlled, on call by telephone, able to provide point-to-point service according to the passengers’ needs, and supplemented by a computer system which guarantees minimum detours, and minimum waiting times. Make bus stops for the mini-buses every 6oo feet in each direction, and equip these bus stops with a phone for dialing a bus.
Usage:
Place the bus stops mainly along major roads, as far as this can be consistent with the fact that no one ever has to walk more than 600 feet to the nearest one—Parallel Roads; put one in every Interchange; and make each one a place where a few minutes’ wait is pleasant—Bus Stop . . .
pg. 110