Modeling Demand-Responsive Feeder Systems in the UTPS Framework

Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, Technical Reference Center;Federal Transit Administration 50th Anniversaryhttps://doi.org/10.21949/15268641978PDFTech ReportMenhard, H. R.Flusberg, M.Englisher, L. S.Multisystems, Inc.John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.)United States. Urban Mass Transportation AdministrationUnited States. Urban Mass Transportation AdministrationUnited StatesAdministrationDemandDemand responsive transportationFeeder servicesMathematical modelsNomographsSupplyTransportation planningUrban transportationDemand responsive transportationMathematical modelsSupply and demandDemandTransportation planningUrban transportationDOT-TSC-UMTA-78-23;UMTA-MA-06-0049-78-9;PB-285 763For the transit planner considering alternative future transit designs, there has been little in the way of analytical tools available to assess the impact of demand-responsive transportation (DRT) systems. The intent of this report is to provide the Urban Transportation Planning System (UTPS) user with a methodology for incorporating DRT feeder systems in transit network analysis. The focus is on the use of DRT systems to provide feeder services to fixed transit routes in low density areas. A methodology for considering such services within the framework of UTPS modeling is presented herein. A set of previously developed DRT supply models, representing many-to-many service, many-to-one cycled service, and many-to-one subscription service have been refined for the purposes of this report. These services are discussed and general guidelines for designing feeder services offered. The models themselves are described in detail (Appendix A), and program listings provided (Appendix C). In addition, a series of nomographs (Appendix B) based on model results have been developed to enable the analyst to predict the service levels of DRT feeder systems under a range of conditions. Examples of the use of these nomographs, and the overall approach to modeling DRT feeder systems within UTPS, are also included in Appendix B. This report also provides a bibliography and a glossary of terms.138