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IMPLEMENTATION AND OPERATION OF NEW DEMAND-RESPONSIVE SERVICES. SPEAKER 1

The major steps in the process of starting a demand- responsive transportation (DRT) system are highlighted and the problems and potentials of such a system are reviewed. The initial step in DRT planning is the identification of the needs of the area for which it is considered, followed by planning to accommodate those needs. Demographic and geographic characteristics, peak demand, and seasonal variations are some of the factors to be considered. An overall evaluation of land use is also essential. Determination of the financial plan will be the second step. Modifications to fit available funding, and the need for subsidies must be considered. The marketing and advertising of the service is important and money invested in this area will be returned with dividends. Employees can either make or break a DRT operation and care must be expended in the selection and training of personnel. The importance is emphasized of equipment selection and maintenance planning. Vehicle selection must be based on the requirements of the service and the ability of the operator to purchase and to maintain the equipment. In high-demand areas, digital communication may be necessary to minimize air time. Sound accounting and reporting procedures must be developed to prevent losses and to monitor system efficiency. Computer control must be avoided unless it is needed. If a computer is needed, evolution of the system from a manual system is advised. Fast expansion must be avoided. Initial sources of a small system may lead to over extension of the service. Needs must be identified, opportunities for service must be inventoried, potential markets surveyed, funding capabilities evaluated, and financial sources found before actual expansion. Operators may be contracted to operate the system. Professional help may be needed to achieve the DRT planning, implementation and operation objectives.

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  • Supplemental Notes:
    • Presented at the Fifth Annual International Conference on Demand-Responsive Transportation Systems conducted by the TRB, Nov. 11-13, 1974, Oakland, Calif.; and co-sponsored by American Public Transit Association, California DOT, Alameda-Contra Costa Transit, MIT, UMTA and Technology Sharing Program of U.S. DOT. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.
  • Corporate Authors:

    Transportation Research Board

    500 Fifth Street, NW
    Washington, DC  United States  20001
  • Authors:
    • Shilling, David R
  • Conference:
  • Publication Date: 1975

Media Info

  • Media Type: Digital/other
  • Features: References;
  • Pagination: pp 33-39
  • Monograph Title: DEMAND-RESPONSIVE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS & SERVICES
  • Serial:

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00126159
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
  • Created Date: Dec 3 1981 12:00AM