Stated opinions and potential travel with DRT–a survey covering three different age groups

Abstract

Previous research shows that well-grounded knowledge of the intended travellers is essential for achieving successful DRT services. However, there is a lack of understanding of the potential travels in different age groups, and the acceptance of design alternatives that may affect these. Based on surveys conducted in Sweden, this paper investigates these factors in a hypothetical DRT service, in the age groups 6–17, 18–69 and over 70 years. A total of 1241 people answered the questionnaires. The results show that the age groups have similar acceptance regarding delays and departure time intervals. Older adults have lower acceptance of digital solutions, and children and older adults have stronger requirements for value-added services. About 85–90% of the respondents claim they would use the service, at least occasionally. The results also show how a DRT system should be configured to allow room for system efficiency gains, while still being accepted by most travellers.