Decision support system for the design of sustainable demand responsive transport

Abstract

The provision of traditional public transport services in rural areas have shown to be very inefficient and ineffective. In fact, rural areas are naturally categorized by low levels of population density leading to complex demand patterns (low levels and high spatial and temporal dispersion), which leads to low levels of service of conventional transport services (low frequencies, usage of old vehicles, etc). Demand Responsive Transport systems have been seen as an effective alternative solution already adopted in several countries. There are however some issues concerning DRT costs and benefits that still have to be addressed. In this research work an integrated analysis incorporating both internal and external costs is proposed aiming to support decision makers investigating the impacts and performance measures related to the adoption of a flexible transportation system solution. Additionally, DRT systems are highly dependent on the correct calibration of some organizational and functional parameters. In this paper, a comprehensive framework to support decision-makers in the design and planning of flexible transportation systems is proposed. The developed approach allows the simulation of different scenarios corresponding to different design alternative solutions. Accurate estimation of their global performance, in terms of both viability and sustainability, can be obtained providing effective support in the design and operational stages of a DRT system implementation in low density areas.