Text 1: A policy analyst argues that city governments should replace some fixed-route buses with on-demand microtransit in low-density neighborhoods. The analyst cites a pilot in which cost per rider fell 18% and average wait times dropped, and argues that flexible routing reduces empty-seat miles. The analyst concedes that ridership gains were concentrated among riders with smartphones but claims this can be addressed with call-in booking.

Text 2: A transit equity researcher argues that microtransit often appears efficient only because it serves a narrower subset of riders. The researcher cites evaluations finding that when agencies expand microtransit coverage to include riders without smartphones and riders with mobility needs, costs rise sharply and reliability worsens. The researcher also notes that pilot success metrics often exclude riders who stop traveling when service becomes less predictable.

Which choice best describes the strongest point of direct conflict between the two texts?