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> You can't make it stop at every block

a solution for this is kind of "stop on demand"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marshrutka

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Share_taxi

This does not work if you want to speed up routes in rush hour, because people will demand stops at every block. Usually people are not alturistic enough to get off in bulk if they have the option to stop everywhere. Busses work great even in low density environment if you build infrastructure that is good for busses. Bicycles + buss makes it posible to serve quite large areas fast and simple.

> This does not work if you want to speed up routes in rush hour, because people will demand stops at every block.

Actually, this is exactly how Marshrutkas work, at least in Sofia/Bulgaria. They do not stop on "every block", they stop only if they are not full enough or someone wants to get off. But normaly, this persons tell their destination early enough to the driver, so he or she can plan better the few stops. Nowadays most people prefer the Metro over the Marshrutkas though.

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