Non-regular transport services such as vans are currently operating in some metropolitan regions of Brazilian cities. Many reasons could be pointed out to explain the increasing utilization of these services which are considered a viable option by many users. This paper presents some results of a questionnaire survey carried out in the city of Rio de Janeiro where van users were asked to assess the current services provided. Taking into account the results of the survey, the main objective of the paper is to discuss the potential role played by vans in central areas of busy urban centres. The authors consider that these systems could operate as a feeder system of high and medium capacity transport systems (buses/underground/trains), and also mainly as a new alternative to car users. (A) The French title of the paper is: "L'intégration des services de van au système conventionnel de transport publique".
Abstract