Describes how public transportation organizations have entered an era of fundamental change and examines how they are responding to dramatic new expectations and imperatives that have triggered the emergence of a "new paradigm" throughout business and industry worldwide.

This report will be of interest to individuals and organizations seeking fundamental change and innovation in public transportation. This report is the first step in examining how new paradigms might be introduced into local public transportation. It summarizes the key forces and factors that appear to necessitate a paradigm shift--a reinvention of the organizations that now have or share responsibility for local public transportation services.

This report summarizes the findings of Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Project B-22A, "New Paradigms for Rural and Small Urban Transit Service Delivery." It will be of interest to individuals who provide public transportation in rural and small urban areas; local, regional, state, and federal planners and funders of these services; and the administrators of these programs at state departments of transportation. The findings, presented in the form of case studies, provide a valuable resource to professionals who may implement new concepts to improve public transportation in the community.