Analytical models for comparing Demand Responsive Transport with bus services in low demand interurban areas

ABSTRACT

As new shared mobility services emerge there is an increasing need for better understanding of the role and potential markets of these services which would result in viable business models. The current research aims at exploring Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) services, as a case of efficient mobility service provision for low demand interurban areas. Analytical models are developed and applied in a real case identifying critical demand thresholds for the alternative modes. Finally, the analysis points out the trade-offs between costs and level of service a transport operator or mobility provider needs to consider to implement a successful service.

KEYWORDS:

• Demand Responsive Transport
• analytical model
• optimization
• public transport network design

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Dr. D. Potoglou and Prof. C. Antoniou for their useful comments on this research.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.