Comparing Fixed-Route and Demand-Responsive Feeder Transit Systems in Real-World Settings

摘要

This research presents a method of comparing fixed-route transportation systems anddemand-responsive feeder transit systems using passenger survey data, published transitschedules, and optimal routing techniques. Demand-responsive transportation can be utilized toimprove transit service levels in low demand areas. Since cities can vary significantly in demandacross the region and time of day, it is imperative that an effective means of determing whendemand-responsive services can out perform fixed-route services and vice versa. This researchbuilds upon existing comparison techniques, that are focused on gridded street systems, andexpands the techniques to includes all types of street networks, transit schedules, and passengerdemand levels. The generic techniques are presented and a case study is given for the city ofAtlanta to determine where demand-responsive feeder systems might be implemented to improvecustomer satisfaction and reduce operating costs.