SERVICEABILITY INDEX TO EVALUATE RURAL DEMAND-RESPONSIVE TRANSIT SYSTEM OPERATIONS
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
2004
Subject Area
operations - capacity, ridership - demand, place - rural
Keywords
Transit Capacity and Quality of Service Manual, Transit capacity, Serviceability, Rural transit, Level of service, Demand responsive transportation, Case studies, Alabama
Abstract
Recently, focus on the analysis of public transit systems has been increasing. The "Transit Capacity and Quality of Service Manual" consolidates information on current practices. By stating that no national studies support transit capacity analysis for demand-responsive operations, the manual identifies an inability to estimate capacity and level of service for agencies that provide demand-responsive transit. A procedure for calculating a serviceability index (SI) for demand-responsive transit operators based on regional socioeconomic conditions and internal operation data is presented. The methodology results from a survey of several demand-responsive transit providers in Alabama and data analysis. A case study for two counties served by the Northwest Alabama Council of Local Governments transit agency illustrates the SI calculation to identify benefits and drawbacks. Generated with input from transit providers, SI can be used to evaluate and compare demand-responsive transit operation.
Recommended Citation
Sandlin, A, Anderson, M, (2004). SERVICEABILITY INDEX TO EVALUATE RURAL DEMAND-RESPONSIVE TRANSIT SYSTEM OPERATIONS. Transportation Research Record, 1887, p. 205-212.
