MOBILITY CLUB: A GRASS-ROOTS RURAL AND SMALL TOWN TRANSPORT CONCEPT

The dispersion of relatively small numbers of people in rural environments is a substantial barrier to collective means of travel, such as conventional bus service or demand-responsive transit. Accordingly, this paper proposes and analyzes an approach based on ride-sharing in private autos that might provide signigicant relief for the problems of rural immobility. This solution, termed Mobility Club, can be implemented within the manpower and financial resources of most small towns and rural communities. Trip desires of autoless individuals are matched to the trip-making intentions of persons with autos, by the Mobility Club telephone dispatcher or ride-broker. A companion feature is the method proposed for increasing the number of travel friends, i.e., the number of persons who are well enough acquainted to be trusting enough to travel together. This paper discusses the operational, administrative, and institutional aspects of the Mobility Club concept. A case example is presented to illustrate the magnitude of the potential driver-member supply and tripmaking desires of autoless residents in a sample rural and small town environment. Operating expenses, fare structures, and subsidy considerations are outlined. Finally the paper lists some simple steps to assist individuals who may wish to start a Mobility Club. /Author/

• Corporate Authors:

  New York State Department of Transportation

  1220 Washington Avenue
  Albany, NY  United States  12232
• Authors:
  • Yukubousky, R
  • Fichter, D
• Publication Date: 1974-8

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; Tables;
• Pagination: 39 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automobile ownership; Bus transportation; Carpools; Demand responsive transportation; Ridesharing; Rural areas; Small cities; Travel budgets; Travel costs
• Subject Areas: Highways; Motor Carriers; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00179058
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: Res. Rpt. 69
• Files: TRIS, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Aug 19 1981 12:00AM