Public Transport In Rural Areas Research Articles

The findings of the Disability Royal Commission: the relevance for people with intellectual disabilities in rural areas

People living in rural areas of Australia are significantly disadvantaged, compared to metropolitan dwelling peers, in accessing basic support services. Australians with intellectual disabilities living in rural areas are at specific risk of further disadvantage. This article examines the findings and recommendations of the Disability Royal Commission through the lens of rurality. A frequency analysis of key words relating to rurality indicated an interesting trend in relation to the term “remote” which had a higher count rate than either “regional” or “rural”. This finding may indicate that issues from non-remote rural locations were less well represented. The Final Report included many examples from people with intellectual disabilities or their carers regarding the lack of vital services in rural areas, and specifically highlighted the need to introduce a “provider of last resort”. Problems with support were also identified following domestic violence and rape, and concerns noted regarding the provision of public transport in rural areas. The Final Report contains 222 recommendations, of which 11 contained a specific focus addressing a rural issue, and these are briefly discussed. It is unfortunate that, in some key support areas, there appear to be an implicit expectation that the remaining 200+ recommendations will all apply evenly across Australia, irrespective of location. Nonetheless, the Disability Royal Commission should be commended for their inclusive approach to involving people with disabilities living in rural areas which led to the reporting from rural people with intellectual disabilities and their carers regarding the issues that they have faced.

A flexible approach for demand-responsive public transport in rural areas

Rural mobility research has been left aside in favor of urban transportation. Rural areas? low demand, the distance among settlements, and an older population on average make conventional public transportation inefficient and costly. This paper assesses the contribution that on-demand mobility has the potential to make to rural areas. First, demand-responsive transportation is described, and the related literature is reviewed to gather existing system configurations. Next, we describe and implement a proposal and test it on a simulation basis. The results show a clear potential of the demand-responsive mobility paradigm to serve rural demand at an acceptable quality of service. Finally, the results are discussed, and the issues of adoption rate and input data scarcity are addressed.

What can be done with today’s budget and demand? Scenarios of rural public transport automation in Mühlwald (South Tyrol)

Rural public transport is typically limited in its coverage, frequency and service period. This is often linked to a low and dispersed demand, which makes the provision of competitive transport services often financially unsustainable. Autonomous vehicles (AVs) might change this condition, allowing for an upgrade of public transport in rural areas. Nevertheless, current studies are mostly focused on urban areas, while the potential for rural applications remains underexplored. This paper contributes to this research line by developing a set of so-called AV scenarios for a potential upgrade of public transport in the rural study area of Mühlwald (South Tyrol, Italy). These scenarios are designed following three core principles. First, line-based and on-demand applications of AVs are not only individually tested, but even combined over space and time in different manners to exploit their synergy. Second, the performances of the scenarios are quantified by assuming the today´s agency cost budget, public-transport demand and peak-hour system capacity to be fixed parameters to comply with. Third, the uncertainties regarding the impacts of AVs on the agency costs are taken into account by defining optimistic, neutral and pessimistic variants of each scenario. Results indicate that the full replacement of current bus lines with a system of on-demand shared taxis might provide the highest performance improvements with the same budget as today, but only with a much bigger fleet. At the same time, the combination of bus lines and on-demand services over time (and space) might provide similarly competitive results while keeping the needed fleet size, service distance and service time relatively low. With this study, policy makers may get insights into the potential improvements of rural public transport that might be initially obtained with different uses of AVs, given a fixed agency cost budget and demand.

“Patiently waiting”: How do non-driving disabled adults get around in rural America?

Most mobility needs in rural America are primarily met via driving. Yet many disabled adults cannot drive. Lack of adequate public transportation in rural areas exacerbates transportation-related disparities. We interviewed 33 non-driving disabled adults throughout the U.S. to explore how they get around in their rural communities. Research questions primarily focused on the relationships between transportation, community participation, healthcare access, and social capital. We used thematic analysis to identify themes related to our research questions. In general, interviewees described a dearth of public transportation options. Even if public transit were available, other issues limited use such as inaccessibility, expenses, or schedules and routes. Many participants also described getting rides from others. While this was a critical component of many individuals’ daily travel, it also introduced a layer of dependency and social pressure that otherwise would not exist with more independent means of transportation. Policy implications include improved public transit funding and strategies to promote universal auto access.

Effects of access to food retailers and convenience of public transportation on residents’ fresh food intake and body mass index

IntroductionThis study analyzes the effects of food accessibility on fresh food intake and body mass index (BMI) in the lowest level of local government areas (LLGAs) of South Korea. MethodsWe used four sub-variables of physical food accessibility: access to food retailers, availability of public transportation, car ownership, and apartment residence. We used data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey, which were matched with the number of food retail stores and the number of bus stops and subway exits in each respondent's LLGA. We divided the respondents into urban dwellers and rural dwellers in the path analysis. ResultsThe access to food retailers and convenience in public transport were inferior in rural areas relative to urban areas. In urban areas, access to food retailers and public transportation did not affect fresh food intake and BMI, and there was no indirect effect of fresh food intake on BMI. In rural areas, fresh food intake decreased as access to food retailers decreased, which indirectly deteriorated BMI. ConclusionsThe issue of physical accessibility to food supplies in rural areas must be prioritized, and relevant policy interventions from local governments are necessary. Owning private automobiles increased the opportunity to eat fresh foods, and the effect was higher in rural areas, where car ownership lowered BMI indirectly. This suggests that the relative disadvantage of access to food retailers and inconvenient public transport in rural areas can be overcome through transport policies. By doing so, residents can be provided with better access to competitively priced, good-quality food.

Sustainability of public transport in rural areas - Case study city of Jastrebarsko

The mobility of people in rural areas and low population density areas is sometimes difficult. This may be due to the inability of owning a means of transport as well as the inaccessibility of the public transport system. The development of public transport system in areas of low population density can be significant for ensuring mobility for all users. In this way, the quality of life in rural areas will increase. Numerous studies deal with the topic of introducing public transport systems in developed urban areas. In most cases, such systems have an economic calculation due to the large number of its users. On the other hand, there is a small number of studies that are dealing with the topic of introducing public transport systems in rural areas and sparsely populated areas. This paper analyzes the issue of introducing a public passenger transport system in rural areas with an emphasis on economic profitability and analyzes the economic indicators of the public transport system in detail. This paper also presents a case study of the public passenger transport system justification in the city of Jastrebarsko. Namely, a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) was prepared for the purposes of determining the financial and economic justification of the system and ultimately as a basis for obtaining co-financing from national and European Union funds. When calculating the basic financial and economic indicators of the cost-benefit analysis for the introduction of a public transport system of electric vehicles in the city of Jastrebarsko the influence of all measurable factors, both quantitative and qualitative, was included.

Understanding the Factors That Are Associated with Motorcycle Crash Severity in Rural and Urban Areas of Ghana

Like many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Ghana has witnessed an increase in the use of motorcycles for both commercial transport and private transport of people and goods. The rapid rise in commercial motorcycle activities has been attributed to the problem of urban traffic congestion and the general lack of reliable and affordable public transport in rural areas. This study investigates and compares factors that are associated with motorcycle crash injury outcomes in rural and urban areas of Ghana. This comparison is particularly important because the commercial use of motorcycles and their rapid growth in urban areas are a new phenomenon, in contrast to rural areas where people have long relied on motorcycles for their transportation needs. Preliminary analysis of the crash data revealed that more of the rural area crashes occurred under dark and unlit roadway conditions, while urban areas recorded more intersection-related crashes. Additionally, it was found that more pedestrian collisions happened in urban areas, while head-on collisions happened more in rural areas. The model estimation results show that collisions with a pedestrian, run-off-road, and collisions that occur under dark and unlit roadway conditions were more likely to result in fatal injury. Findings from this study are expected to help in crafting and targeting appropriate countermeasures to effectively reduce the occurrence and severity of motorcycle crashes throughout the country and, indeed, sub-Saharan Africa.

The attitude of potentially less mobile people towards demand responsive transport in a rural area in central Germany

Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) systems are often discussed to expand public transport in rural areas, where conventional buses are often used below capacity. DRT systems can particularly improve the mobility situation for less mobile people or other people who depend on public transport and ultimately prevent them from social exclusion. This paper examines whether people who show characteristics that indicate a mobility deficit are more willing to access the DRT system EcoBus in a rural area of Germany. Using survey data from 156 respondents from households in the EcoBus service area and utilizing linear regression analysis, this study confirms that car availability harms the intended use of DRT and that physical impairment has a positive effect, as identified several times in the literature. Furthermore, the influence of age on the intended EcoBus use depends on the residence place's city size and hence on its offer of daily public services. While residents of a sub-centre of the region are significantly less willing to use the EcoBus with increasing age, there is an opposite tendency for small villages. Thus, in small inaccessible localities, the likelihood of using EcoBus increases with age, suggesting that DRT systems benefit the doubly constrained population, namely the elderly population in localities with few public services.

Preferences toward Bus Alternatives in Rural Areas of the Netherlands: A Stated Choice Experiment

Public transport in rural areas is under pressure because demand is low and dispersed. To reduce costs, flexible and on-demand services are often proposed as alternatives for conventional bus services. Conventional services are generally not suitable for rural areas, because the demand is low and dispersed. In this paper, a stated preference survey is designed to identify the preferences of rural bus users for alternative services. Other than the traditional bus, two other modes are included in this study: a demand responsive transport (DRT) service and an express bus service with bike-sharing services for last mile transport. Given the on-demand nature of these alternatives, flexibility- and reliability-related attributes are included in the stated preference survey. The results from the choice model indicate that the reliability and flexibility aspects do not have a large effect on the preference for the on-demand alternatives. Instead, cost, access and egress times, and in-vehicle time play a bigger role in individuals’ preferences toward the different alternatives. A sensitivity analysis shows that changes in the operational characteristics can make the on-demand alternatives more attractive. However, many bus users still prefer the conventional bus service over the on-demand alternatives.

Analyzing the benefits of an integrated mobility system using a matheuristic routing algorithm

In many Western countries, governments are currently implementing an innovative demand-driven mobility policy. Providers of collective door-to-door transport, called dial-a-ride services, are increasingly invoked to replace unprofitable public transport in rural areas. This requires an integrated mobility system in which a user’s trip may consist of a combination of dial-a-ride services and regular public transport. In order to optimally integrate both systems from an operational point of view, dial-a-ride providers need to solve a challenging routing problem. Their flexible vehicle routes should be synchronized to the timetables of the remaining public transport services, while the optimal selection of the users’ transfer terminals depends on the actual structure of the dial-a-ride routes. This paper introduces a routing algorithm and integrated scheduling procedure to enforce this synchronization for problems of a realistic scale, enabling the design and operational implementation of an integrated mobility system. Experiments, performed on a new artificial benchmark data set with realistic characteristics, clearly indicate that from the perspective of the dial-a-ride providers, considerable operational benefits can be obtained by integrating public transport into their services. The resulting distance savings for the dial-a-ride vehicles are shown to depend on the operational characteristics of the system, the geographical distribution of the demand, and the ability to flexibly assign transfer terminals to user requests. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm is also very efficient in solving related problems in passenger and freight transport.

The actual demand behind demand-responsive transport: Assessing behavioral intention to use DRT systems in two rural areas in Germany

Despite the potential capability of demand-responsive transport systems (DRT) to improve service quality of public transport in rural areas, existing DRT systems in Germany are often under-utilized. Thus, there is a need to examine usage barriers and facilitating factors that affect the adoption of DRT systems. A household survey in two rural areas of Germany with DRT systems (N = 205) based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) was conducted and analysed using the Structural Equation Model (SEM) approach. The results indicate that the constructs of Performance Expectancy and Facilitating Conditions were useful predictors of Behavioural Intentions to use DRT systems, with Performance Expectancy having the strongest impact on the model. The resulting model explained 47% of variance of Behavioural Intention to use a DRT. The results contribute to a greater understanding of the actual users’ demand behind demand-responsive transport and provide recommendations for policy and practitioners to design and operate user-centred DRT systems and thus to enhance their adoption.

Improved public transportation in rural areas with self-driving cars: A study on the operation of Swiss train lines

Abstract Public transport lines, especially train lines, have historically played an important role as economic lifelines of rural areas. They are one of the most important factors contributing to economic prosperity as they provide access to mobility for all the inhabitants of these regions. Maintaining such rural public transport lines can be a challenge due to the low utilization inherent to rural areas. Today, with the emergence of fully self-driving cars, on-demand mobility schemes in which autonomous robotic taxis transport passengers, are becoming possible. In this work, we analyze if rural public transport lines with low utilization can be replaced with autonomous mobility-on-demand systems. More specifically, we compare the existing public transportation infrastructure to hypothetical mobility-on-demand systems both in terms of cost and service level. We perform our analysis, which focuses on the operational aspects, using a simulation approach in which unit-capacity robotic taxis are operated in a street network taking into account congestion effects and state-of-the-art control (dispatching and rebalancing) strategies. Our study considers the case of four rural train lines in Switzerland that operate at low utilization and cost coverage. We show that a unit-capacity mobility-on-demand service with self-driving cars reduces both travel times and operational cost in three out of four cases. In one case, even a service with human driven vehicles would provide higher service levels at lower cost. The results suggest that centrally coordinated mobility-on-demand schemes could be a very attractive option for rural areas.

The Importance of Public Transport for Mobility and Everyday Activities among Rural Residents

A lack of transport opportunities has been shown to be a barrier for accessibility and social inclusion in contemporary society. In rural and sparsely populated areas, access to public transport is often poor compared to urban areas, leading to fewer possibilities to participate in normal relationships and activities among rural dwellers. Based on qualitative interviews with rural dwellers in Sweden, the aim of this study was to explore how access to transport can meet the needs of mobility and activity participation in everyday life and how different modes of transport are being used. The study has been permeated by the time-geographical perspective, which considers people’s use of time and space and the restrictions they face in order to carry out activities, including travel. The results show that travel by private car plays a central role in realizing everyday activities for rural dwellers, as well as a perception of the car as being the norm in contemporary society. Frequent car use is the consequence of a combination of time-space restrictions, habit, and a lack of services, activities, and public transport in rural areas. Poor public transport services limit children’s and adolescents’ independent mobility in particular. Further, the physical environment influences the ability to use public transport, for example if roads and bus stops are seen as unsafe. Based on the results of the study, several measures and improvements are proposed that could increase mobility and accessibility in rural areas and reduce car dependency.

Introduction to the Theoretical Analysis of Social Exclusion of Public Transport in Rural Areas

International online peer-reviewed open-access journal offers a possibility for the international community of professionals working in the fields of regional and rural development or tourism to exchange their ideas and research results or practical achievements as it publishes results of both theoretical and applied research in these fields.

Transportation Matters: A Health Impact Assessment in Rural New Mexico.

This Health Impact Assessment (HIA) informed the decision of expanding public transportation services to rural, low income communities of southern Doña Ana County, New Mexico on the U.S./Mexico border. The HIA focused on impacts of access to health care services, education, and economic development opportunities. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from surveys of community members, key informant interviews, a focus group with community health workers, and passenger surveys during an initial introduction of the transit system. Results from the survey showed that a high percentage of respondents would use the bus system to access the following: (1) 84% for health services; (2) 83% for formal and informal education opportunities; and (3) 81% for economic opportunities. Results from interviews and the focus group supported the benefits of access to services but many were concerned with the high costs of providing bus service in a rural area. We conclude that implementing the bus system would have major impacts on resident’s health through improved access to: (1) health services, and fresh foods, especially for older adults; (2) education opportunities, such as community colleges, universities, and adult learning, especially for young adults; and (3) economic opportunities, especially jobs, job training, and consumer goods and services. We highlight the challenges associated with public transportation in rural areas where there are: (1) long distances to travel; (2) difficulties in scheduling to meet all needs; and (3) poor road and walking conditions for bus stops. The results are applicable to low income and fairly disconnected rural areas, where access to health, education, and economic opportunities are limited.

Analyzing mode choice for inter-regional travel in India

Abstract Travel behavior research across India has been mainly limited to understanding transport patterns in urban areas. Interregional travel outside your ‘usual place of residence’ is predominantly facilitated by the public transport systems, primarily buses and trains, with air travel being mostly popular in the affluent class. Modal choice for long distance travel is affected by various personal and trip characteristics including the purpose of trip and the destination being traveled to. Binary logistic mode choice models were created for overnight and sameday trips originating from urban and rural areas. The models showcased that increase in the number of companions increased private vehicle use in urban areas, whereas it increased probability of using public transport in rural areas. Time of the year was a significant factor influencing long distance train travel and the interaction term of purpose by destination showcased that for social trips outside one’s district trains were preferred, whereas for trips being made inside district, buses were preferred. Pilgrimage trips outside one’s district positively influenced walking. With the growing impetus in building road infrastructure for private transport, using the results various policy implications are discussed highlighting the importance of improving public transport services for long distance travel.

Unintended Consequences of Regionalizing Specialized VA Addiction Services

Unintended Consequences of Regionalizing Specialized VA Addiction Services

Indicators of transport and accessibility problems in rural Australia

Australia belongs to a small group of countries that are low density but affluent, and characterised by very high vehicle ownership levels but very little public transport in rural areas. It is widely believed that there are few problems of mobility and accessibility, apart from long distances, because everyone has a car. A literature review generally confirms this perception, although there are hardly any suitable local case studies. An analysis of the rural areas of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia sought indicators of transport-related problems, using mainly census data. While the basic urban/rural distinction is clearly defined, within the rural areas patterns of vehicle ownership are unusual, and in the remotest areas are not as high as would be expected. Relationships with socio-economic variables are not consistent. Accessibility measures are incorporated in the analysis, and a travel needs index suggested. Appropriate case studies are required to establish travel behaviour patterns and the responses of disadvantaged groups.

Rural Public Transportation and the Mobility of Older Persons

ABSTRACT Federal policy regarding public transportation in rural areas is examined through a comprehensive literature review. Then, three alternative approaches to future policy are suggested. The current fragmented panoply of rural transit programs that serve a minority of the rural population is the result of cycles of federal regulation and deregulation and chronic underfunding of rural transit compared to urban areas. The public purposes of transit, distinctions of need and demand, and funding comparisons with automobile usage are some contexts which set the framework for the social, and economic, and sustainability paradigms. Specific recommendations within each paradigm are suggested.

Transport needs in rural areas—a review and proposal

Abstract Decision‐makers have been concerned with the decline of public transport in rural areas and ensuring that the needs of those without access to a car are met. This paper is divided into three main parts. The first reviews the responses from the 39 non‐metropolitan counties in England to the statutory requirements of a statement on need and the extent to which they could be satisfied within the current transport planning framework. The second part examines the conceptual problems raised in the definitions and measurement of need, both from the responses of the counties and from an investigation of different theoretical perspectives on need. The final section argues that the concentration on the measurement of need may be misplaced, and that needs should only be considered at the conceptual level with the purpose of providing a perspective within which policy makers can consider the outcomes of particular decisions.