Demand Responsive Transit Simulation of Wayne County, Michigan. Issue 12 (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kagho, Grace O.; Hensle, David; Balac, Milos; Freedman, Joel; Twumasi-Boakye, Richard; Broaddus, Andrea; Fishelson, James; Axhausen, Kay W.
• Is Part Of: Transportation research record. Volume 2675:Issue 12(2021)
• Page Start: 702
• Page End: 716
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: Transportation -- Periodicals; Roads; Transport -- Périodiques; Routes -- Périodiques; Routes -- Conception et construction -- Périodiques; Roads; Transportation; 388.05
• DOI: 10.1177/03611981211031221
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0361-1981

Abstract

Demand responsive transit (DRT) can provide an alternative to private cars and complement existing public transport services. However, the successful implementation of DRT services remains a challenge as both researchers and policy makers can struggle to determine what sorts of places or cities are suitable for it. Research into car-dependent cities with poor transit accessibility is sparse. This study addresses this problem, investigating the potential of DRT service in Wayne County, U.S.A., whose dominant travel mode is private car. Using an agent-based approach, DRT is simulated as a new mobility option for this region, thereby providing insights into its impact on operational, user, and system-level performance indicators. DRT scenarios are tested for different fleet sizes, vehicle occupancy, and cost policies. The results show that a DRT service in Wayne County has a certain potential, especially to increase the mobility of lower-income individuals. However, introducing the service may slightly increase the overall vehicle kilometers traveled. Specific changes in service characteristics, like service area, pricing structure, or preemptive relocation of vehicles, might be needed to fully realize the potential of pooling riders in the proposed DRT service. The authors hope that this study serves as a starting point for understanding the impacts and potential benefits of DRT in Wayne County and similar low-density and car-dependent urban areas, as well as the service parameters needed for its successful implementation.