Improving Capacity Planning for Demand-responsive Paratransit Services

Improving Capacity Planning for Demand-responsive Paratransit Services
Author: Diwakar Gupta
Publisher:
Total Pages: 78
Release: 2008
Genre: Local transit
ISBN:

This report proposes and evaluates two ideas for improving efficiency and service quality of paratransit operations. For carrying out this analysis, the authors use data from Metro Mobility, the agency responsible for providing ADA-mandated transportation services in the Twin Cities. However, the underlying principles, mathematical models, and algorithms are applicable to a variety of similar transportation operations in urban and rural areas. The first idea is to re-optimize routes developed by Metro Mobility's route-building software (a commercial product named Trapeze) at the end of each day of booking operations to reduce the total time it takes to serve booked trips. The second idea evaluates the selective use of non-dedicated vehicles and service providers (e.g. taxi services) for lowering operational costs. Mathematical models and computer algorithms are developed for each of these approaches. These are then tested on actual operational data obtained from Metro Mobility. The report shows that a conservative estimate of savings from re-optimization would be 5% of Metro Mobility's operating costs. Additional savings from the use of taxi service would be in the hundreds of dollars per day. The actual magnitude of these savings would depend on the proportion of customers who agree to travel by taxi.

Better Public Transit Systems

Better Public Transit Systems
Author: Eric Christian Bruun
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 416
Release: 2013-11-07
Genre: Transportation
ISBN: 1134687494

Better Public Transit Systems is a complete primer for performance and investment analysis of public transportation. Whether you’re planning a major new public transit project, an extension or expansion of an existing system, or evaluating the needs of your current system, this book provides the tools you need to define your goals and objectives and conceive and analyse design alternatives. This completely revised Second Edition includes new material for students and online discussion questions, whilst remaining an essential reference book.

Computer-aided Scheduling and Dispatch in Demand-responsive Transit Services

Computer-aided Scheduling and Dispatch in Demand-responsive Transit Services
Author: David S. Kessler
Publisher: Transportation Research Board
Total Pages: 92
Release: 2004
Genre: Paratransit services
ISBN: 030907021X

The scope of this synthesis is to (1) search out useful information on the use of computer-aided scheduling and dispatch (CASD) in demand-responsive transit (DRT) services, (2) develop an amalgamation or compendium of the current knowledge and successful practices used in computerizing the functions necessary to efficiently and effectively operate such DRT services, and (3) report on measures used to resolve specific problems in planning and implementing CASD. The ultimate objective in compiling a considerable storehouse of information is to make this information available to the public transit community. Private and nonprofit organizations that are providing DRT services will similarly benefit from a review of these results.

Paratransit

Paratransit
Author: Corinne Mulley
Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing
Total Pages: 460
Release: 2016-10-07
Genre: Transportation
ISBN: 1786352257

Recent technological advances have made feasible new and improved approaches for organizing and delivering local passenger transportation. This book draws on a selection of papers presented at the International Paratransit Conference in Monterey in October 2014 to capture these exciting developments.

ADA Paratransit Handbook

ADA Paratransit Handbook
Author: Russell H. Thatcher
Publisher:
Total Pages: 296
Release: 1991
Genre: Local transit
ISBN:

This handbook provides guidance and practical information for implementing the complementary paratransit service requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). A primary purpose of this handbook is to assist transit operators and planners with the preparation of required ADA paratransit plans. The first five chapters summarize the law and complementary paratransit service requirements. Eligibility determination, service criteria, and operating standards and requirements are analyzed in detail. The last four chapters discuss paratransit service models; ways to enhance fixed route service in order to reduce the need for paratransit; the preparation of paratransit plans, including a step-by-step planning methodology; and, key implementation issues such as scheduling, training, equipment, specifications, and recordkeeping.