INTEGRATION OF RURAL DEMANDRESPONSIVE TRANSPORT SERVICES IN THE

INTEGRATION OF RURAL DEMAND-RESPONSIVE TRANSPORT SERVICES IN THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT CHAIN: A STRATEGIC APPROACH Centro Algoritmi / University of Minho

Aims 2 To develop an integrated transport solution for the mobility of people living in low-density areas that: Ø . . . is effective and safe; Ø . . . is efficient; Ø . . . is sustainable and affordable; Ø . . . ensures an optimal solution for the mobility of the population resident in the selected area; Ø . . . contributes to the economical and social development (local, regional and national).

Problems 3 � Deficient urban planning and excessive use of private transport; � The solutions adopted have been fragmented and short term; � High levels of congestion and pollution; high accident rates; � Deficient integration of interface structures; � Lack of fare and public information integration systems; � Deficient licensing framework.

How do rural residents make their trips? 4 Old vehicles Private car Transporte Escolar

5 Stakeholder objectives & an integrated solution ncy e i c i t eff uled s o d C che high s > s in s & e c i v ser nd zone a dem periods Flexibility at reasonable fares USERS PT OPERATORS TAXIS Basic mobility; Environmental concerns; Cost efficiency PUBLIC AUTHORITIES Innovative integrated & flexible system - Public-private cooperation - NEW REGULATORY framework DRT SERVICES

6 DRT – a source of opportunities… Opportunities: Flexibility in time, space networking and vehicle type. . . …increases accessibility & social inclusion …promotes more efficient mass transit …more environmental friendly alternative (however) Weaknesses: some services may be difficult to implement (eg, door-to-door) it is more costly per user-km! . . . so, a COST-EFFECTIVE system is needed! � � � Requires advanced IS/IT technologies Requires computerized dynamic OPTIMIZATION Requires continuous management, monitoring & control

A conceptual model & functional architecture OPERATIONAL CENTER Call operators Data Warehouse Software (OR inside!) Phone and SMS GIS Visualisation Internet GPS, Radio and GPRS technologies SUPPLY

8 Decision making support system

DRT services & integration 9 Replace fixed routes by flexible ones in rural areas (at off-peak periods, based on demand responsive services); Ø Create pre-requested services on demand; Ø Build feeder services into scheduled PT network at designated stops. Ø DRT STOP PT STOP (for transfers) DRT AREA

Regional PT integration 10 Rural area 2 DRT 2 rba ru Inte r ido rr n co Transfer stops Fixed route & flexible schedule Urban DRT stops Suburban Rural area 1 DRT 1 Inter urba n corri Fixed dor s c h edul servi ed ces

Factors for success 11 Plan (a mix of) appropriate services, depending on the implementation area, day and time period: � adjust supply to demand in order to accomplish maximum vehicle occupation rates; � study viability before implement (use of simulation tools)! Design a good organizational structure; Provide accessible and dynamic information to public; Provide tariff integration & comfortable transfers; Provide optimized services and a robust (but easy) booking system; Provide high-level operational management &

Case study area 12 PTL – High density area -> high coverage fixed PT system DRT being studied for the North. East of NUT 3 -Vale do Cávado: -Population ~ 30 k -Area ~ 450 km 2 -Density ~66, [30 -90] p. /km 2

13 DRT integration: transfer corridors N Braga

Our study approach 14 Demand & supply modelling; Analytical solution procedures, and… Micro-simulation framework: � Explicit simulation of demand calls and vehicle operations; � Supply model includes operational management software, i. e. optimized services; Study of different scenarios that include a wide range of services´ flexibility.

Preliminary results 15 System performance (and viability) highly depends on the joint effects of critical operational-level parameters, such as vehicle fleet, minimum time for booking, and pick-up time tolerance; DRT trips may cost up to 10 times more than regular trips; Viability seems possible for vehicle occupation rates of 50% to 60%.

On-going and future work 16 To undertake research into DRT and PTL concepts and model parameters by using case study data; To undertake an economic viability study of a DRT and its regional-level PT integration for the study area; To validate the model's framework – setting guidelines and manual of good practices.

Thank you… 17 ASTRA – “Alternative System of Transport for Rural Areas” (FCT – PTDC / TRA / 72871 / 2006) SEOOR / Centro Algoritmi The University of Minho Contact information: http: //pessoais. dps. uminho. pt/telhada/astra. htm http: //www. algoritmi. uminho. pt/ telhada@dps. uminho. pt sameiro@dps. uminho. pt