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: ... is effective and safe; ... is efficient; ... is sustainable and affordable; ... ensures an optimal solution for the mobility of the population resident in the selected area; ... contributes to the economical and social development (local, regional and national).

Problems  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. 3

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

Stakeholder objectives & an integrated solution PT OPERATORS PUBLIC AUTHORITIES Cost efficiency -> scheduled services in high demand zones & periods TAXIS Flexibility at reasonable fares Basic mobility; Environmental concerns; Cost efficiency USERS DRT SERVICES Innovative integrated & flexible system - Public-private cooperation - NEW REGULATORY framework 5

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 6

A conceptual model & functional architecture Phone and SMS Internet Call operators Data Warehouse GIS Visualisation Software (OR inside!) GPS, Radio and GPRS technologies SUPPLY OPERATIONAL CENTER DEMAND 7

Decision making support system 8

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

Regional PT integration Suburban Rural area 2 DRT2 Rural area 1 DRT1 Fixed route & flexible schedule Urban Interurban corridor Fixed scheduled services Transfer stops DRT stops 10

Factors for success  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 & control for assuring efficient service performance & integration. 11

Case study area DRT being studied for the North-East of NUT3-Vale do Cávado: -Population ~ 30k -Area ~ 450 km 2 -Density ~66, [30-90] p./km 2 12 PTL – High density area -> high coverage fixed PT system

DRT integration: transfer corridors N Braga 13

Our study approach  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. 14

Preliminary results  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%. 15

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… ASTRA – “Alternative System of Transport for Rural Areas” (FCT – PTDC / TRA / / 2006) SEOOR / Centro Algoritmi The University of Minho Contact information: