Abstract

The objective of the ITRACT2 project is to create attractive transport options for regions with low population densities including rural areas. A basic assumption of the ITRACT project is that information and communication technology can be used to build IT services that allow for more adaptive transport services and that these adaptive transport services create a better match between supply (transport schedules) and demand (traveller needs) and therefore a more viable business case.

Abstract

Background Demand-responsive transport is an alternative to fixed-route, fixed-scheduled transport services in low-demand areas. Objective This paper discusses the welfare and distributional consequences of the implementation of request stops (RSs) on a scheduled fixed-stop transport service. Method The discussion is based on a general welfare model. The focus is on discussing how the magnitudes of the welfare effects on different groups of travellers are influenced by travel patterns and the characteristics of the travellers involved. Results The effects of implementing RSs are critically dependent on the booking procedure, the variation in demand throughout the day, and the travellers’ time values per hour when on the mode and when arriving at the destinations before having any appointments. Moreover, the benefits for the operators and the authorities depend strongly on the risk profile in the tendering contract. Document type: Article