DRT for DRT: Developing Relevant Tools for Demand Responsive Transport

The rise in private car use in the UK has major implications relating to how transport more generally is provided. One problem is that conventional public transport (i.e. bus, light rail and heavy rail) is steadily becoming a less viable travel option for more and more journeys, and consequently there is an urgent need for new alternatives to be developed. Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) is one solution that almost become a mainstream mode during the 1970s and in the late 1990s/early 2000s, and would now appear to be making another attempt to become a viable transport option. The proposed research will determine the existing position of DRT in UK; the potential demand for DRT services (of some type) at a local level; the most suitable types of DRT in each of the most promising of these local areas; the potential for DRT in delivering public transport services nationally; and the barriers and possible solutions to the realisation of this potential.The purpose of this research is to Develop Relevant Tools that will determine the potential contribution of DRT to meet transport and wider (social, economic and environmental) public policy objectives in England and Wales. Initially, a state of the art review of how DRT systems have developed thus far will be conducted, both in the UK and overseas, including a literature review and an interview scoping study with key industry stakeholders. This will also include an examination of the provision of DRT from a supply side perspective, investigating operational decisions with regard to costs/revenues, vehicle type and the use of technology. Secondly, the current and future demand for DRT in the UK will be determined through a series of econometric modelling tools, at a variety of spatial scales. Thirdly, the propensity of individuals to use DRT will be estimated from a series of stated choice models based on primary survey data. This represents an enhanced demand tool based on a two-stage survey of around 2,000 respondents. Finally, the results will be synthesised to determine the UK potential for the diffusion of DRT systems.

The key beneficiaries of the research will be operators of Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) services, Government and Local Authorities, and users. Operators of DRT services will benefit from greater flexibility and market niches in the type of services they are allowed to operate, for example through operating regulations being altered and/or clarified or tax breaks being offered. Government and Local Authorities will benefit from a greater understanding of how DRT modes are likely to develop in the future, which should help inform decisions about whether to encourage or financially support such schemes when approached. Users will benefit from this complex research effort, which assesses the value of DRT and simplifies the decisions required to improve individual mobility and accessibility. It is anticipated that this research will promote geographic equality for existing user groups and satisfy emerging markets, where DRT can overcome shortcomings of the existing transport network. There will be six Collaborators, from industry and academia, serving as members of a 'DRT for DRT' Advisory Committee. Research links with industry will also be developed from the outset of the project (e.g. through the scoping study and workshop in Work Package 1). Contacts with DRT industry stakeholders will be maintained through the project. In addition to a dedicated project web-site, a project newsletter will be produced on a yearly basis and sent out to stakeholders, providing impact of the research. Towards the end of the project, there would be a day-long project seminar, including both formal presentations and break-away discussion workshops, for key stakeholders and a wider transport audience. There would also be potential for Knowledge Transport Partnerships from the industry partners within the project. To maximise 'DRT for DRT' project impacts, funds have been put aside for the Advisory Committee (academic/university members), an innovative university/industry exchange programme, and presentation/networking at national/international industry seminars and academic conferences.