Demand-responsive transit systems in areas with low transport demand of “smart city”

Abstract

The development of modern telecommunications allows the concept of a “smart city” to increase the flexibility of public transportation significantly and, thus, improve population mobility. In this regard, public transportation represents a demand-responsive transit (DRT) system. This system occupies an intermediate position between route systems and taxi services and ensures flexibility in providing on-demand transport services. The article describes the main technologies that can be used in the DRT system, including those with fixed routes (Flexible-Route Segments, Request Stops) and without fixed routes (Demand-Responsive Connector, Feeder Service, Zone Route, Point Deviation). Despite the wide international experience in implementing DRT in practice, there are no clear criteria to determine the conditions, under which it is reasonable to introduce a particular technology of flexible service for passengers. The article systematizes the factors that determine the feasibility of transferring a bus route to the DRT system in particular time intervals and also determines a sequence of actions for the introduction of flexible modes of public transport services. The considered technologies to manage public transportation on demand show that it is possible to combine regular traffic and demand-responsive service, using these modes at different times. Such an approach allows reducing the carrier’s costs while maintaining or even improving the quality of public transportation compared with systems implementing only flexible service modes.