Demand Responsive Transit: Understanding Emerging Solutions

Abstract

Demand Responsive Transit adapts well to users’ needs and can increase efficiency in situations where regular public transport systems are more cost­ly. However, as DRTs are constantly evolving, the concept and its applications and benefits can be hard to grasp. This working paper provides an introduc­tory description, a proposed classification of DRT service types, an overview of institutional aspects and key operational attributes, and examples of implementations around the world. It identifies a trend in which in high-income countries DRT services derive mostly from public policies, whereas in developing countries, DRTs appear more as private services aimed at market demand niches.