Transport on demand (TOD) is a relatively new element in the public transport system. Instead of timetable buses the customer can arrange a taxi trip at a fixed and reduced fare. Since a number of years, TOD systems have been in operation for the handicapped, who are physically unable to use ordinary public transport. In The Hague Region, a TOD system is now also considered to replace timetable bus transit, during periods of low demand. For that purpose, two systems for different target groups must be integrated. Market research has been carried out to investigate the criteria for customer attractivity and financial feasibility. The stated choice method was applied for this research: potential customers were confronted with hypothetical TOD options, in which characteristics and fare were varied. Results show how important those characteristics are, and estimations are made of total demand as a function of TOD characteristics and price. Based on the market study, a tool has been developed that enables to examine potential options on political and financial requirements. (A)
Abstract