In recent years, there has been a major increase in the size and complexity of demand responsive, door-to-door minibus services for people with restricted mobility. This is placing ever greater pressures on scheduling systems. Many of the larger operators make use of computers, but at present few, if any, are fully exploiting the possibilities created by recent technological developments. This paper seeks to explore the potential for increased use of real-time, inter-active computer applications. Using a case study approach, based on the ring and ride services in the West Midlands, it aims to highlight points of general relevance to large operators. It draws on the work undertaken in preparing the ISADORA proposal for the European Commission's DRIVE II Programme (Isadora & Kwan 1991). Following an analysis of the scheduling system, the paper discusses the potential for using computers for both decision support and optimisation of scheduling. The relevance of other computer applications and recent technological developments are discussed and finally the paper argues in favour of a collaborative, staged approach along the lines adopted in the ISADORA proposal.
Abstract