An analytical model could potentially be used by paratransit service planners to predict fleet requirements, system capacity, and quality-of-service measures for specific operating conditions. The model has a sound theoretical origin and was calibrated using data from a large number of simulated cases representing a wide range of operating conditions and quality of service. This model was shown to have a strong explanatory power, capable of capturing the complex relationship between fleet size, travel demand, quality-of-service measures, and other operating condition variables. With this model, analytical procedures similar to those provided in the "Highway Capacity Manual" and the "Transit Capacity and Quality of Service Manual" for other transportation facilities and services could be developed for paratransit systems.
Abstract