Transit options are considered public if they meet which criterion?

Transit options are considered public when they run at scheduled times. This is because scheduled service contributes to the predictability and accessibility that characterizes public transportation. Regularly scheduled transit allows users to plan their journeys efficiently, knowing when services will be available, which increases ridership and supports more sustainable transportation patterns. Public transit is designed to serve the general population, making it essential that these options provide reliable and timely services.

In contrast, transit services that run with no scheduled times or that require advanced booking often do not provide the same level of accessibility or convenience. Services that are not available for use by the general public also do not contribute to the public transportation framework, as they restrict access to a limited group. Hence, the requirement for scheduled operation is key to classifying transit options as public.