The technology behind a shared demand responsive transport system for a university campus

Abstract

Shared Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) services are flexible services increasingly regarded as one of the solutions able to respond to changing mobility demands. Research provides ample evidence from a number of case studies, as well as technological innovations that support such services. Previous research conducted in Malta showed how shared DRT services would be able to provide a mid-market alternative to the private car. Concerns however were raised about the extent of the service area and the resulting travel time. This study looks at focusing the services around a university campus situated within the urban agglomeration on the island of Malta. The University of Malta is the state funded higher education institution and has a population of 15,000 people between students and staff, similar in size to any large town in the islands. Complex travel patterns, aggregated in a relatively small area, and restrictions on provision of car parking provide an opportunity for the team to develop the technology for a DRT system which is tailor-made to the mobility needs of the University. This paper provides the motivation and background to the case study and describes the development of the technology. Field trials carried out around campus are presented using key service level parameters. The study found that the cost of service is approximately double the cost of local buses. Further engagement with local private and public stakeholders support the discussion on the way forward for the technology and implementation. Overall the project demonstrates that ICT enabled DRT systems are feasible from both a technological and business point of view, where trading off quality of service with cost. Such systems promise to deliver mobility solutions that support the deployment of green solutions for sustainable campuses.