Brad,

While I agree that running fixed route, fixed scheduled service is an inefficient means to run transit services after-hours, with a certain amount of flexibility, one can achieve the same or better level of service levels with fewer resources.

A case in point, Oakville Transit, which operates transit services for the town of Oakville, Ontario - 30 minutes west of Toronto - uses a number of small airport-style shuttles for off-hours service. Their is no fixed schedule, nor are there any fixed routes. All routes are created on-the-fly by the drivers.

One need call only 45 minutes in advance of when they need the bus. The dispatcher will call you back with the exact time to be at the bus-stop.

The result is a very efficient system with utilization of available seats near 100%. There is less of a wait than with the fixed-route/fixed-schedule approach.

A city of 150,000 can be served by four mini-buses this way.

As a result of this service, I have been able to give up my use of a car, which I think is an excellent result.

Cheers.