Development of Evaluation Indices for Public Transport Services in Depopulated Areas

Abstract

This paper aims to propose evaluation methods of public transport services in depopulated areas. A quality of life index, a customer satisfaction index and an equality index are proposed to evaluate transit services which include Demand Responsive Transit (DRT). A total of four questionnaire surveys were carried out in rural areas in Shimane prefecture. The effect of a new DRT service is obtained using co-variance structure analysis. QOL and CS indices are calculated using the ordered probit model. Evaluation indices which include not only the profitability of an alternative are necessary when planning the introduction or improvement of a transit service in depopulated areas where operating a transit service is unprofitable. © 2003, The City Planning Institute of Japan. All rights reserved.