In a world where the gig economy is on the rise and technology has revolutionized the way we live, it is no surprise that the traditional public transit system is being questioned. A group of researchers at Concordia University has proposed a new approach called On-Demand Transit (ODT) that could potentially transform the way suburban commuters travel to work. This innovative system, outlined in a paper published in the journal Transportation Research Record, replaces the conventional bus routes with a fleet of passenger vans driven by responsive drivers.
The Advantages of ODT
Co-lead author Seyed Mehdi Meshkani highlights the benefits of ODT from both the passenger and transit agency perspectives. For passengers, ODT offers improved flexibility, reduced wait times, and overall shorter travel times due to the optimized route design. Instead of making frequent stops like traditional buses, the ODT vans pick up passengers at requested stops and transport them directly to the nearest public transit hub. This not only streamlines the commuting process but also enhances the overall experience for riders.
From a transit agency standpoint, ODT presents significant cost-saving opportunities. By utilizing passenger vans that are more fuel-efficient and require less maintenance than city buses, transit agencies can reduce both capital and operating costs. Additionally, the system contributes to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with the global efforts to combat climate change. The efficient use of resources and reduction in empty rides during low-demand hours make ODT a sustainable and economically viable solution for public transit.
Implementation in Terrebonne, Quebec
To illustrate the feasibility of ODT, the researchers selected the town of Terrebonne, Quebec as a case study. Situated on the North Shore of the St. Lawrence River and serviced by a commuter rail line and bus system, Terrebonne provided the researchers with a suitable model to demonstrate the functionality of ODT without physical prototypes. The integration of smart devices at existing bus stops connected to a dispatch algorithm enabled passengers to make on-demand requests, which were efficiently matched with available vehicles based on various factors such as proximity and wait time.
The use of passenger vans as the primary mode of transportation in ODT proved to be a strategic choice, considering their lower operational costs compared to conventional city buses. The researchers’ analysis indicated a potential reduction of up to 36% in total travel time and 41% in detour time compared to the existing bus-based services. Unlike dynamic pricing models employed by ride-share companies like Uber and Lyft, the cost per trip in ODT remains fixed, providing transparency and predictability for passengers.
The concept of On-Demand Transit represents a promising alternative to the traditional bus-based public transit system, particularly in suburban and exurban communities. With a focus on efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability, ODT has the potential to reshape the way commuters access public transportation. By embracing innovative solutions like ODT, transit agencies can adapt to the changing needs of modern society and provide a seamless and enjoyable commuting experience for passengers. Ph.D. student Siavash Farazmand’s contribution to the research underscores the importance of collaboration and academic inquiry in driving forward-thinking initiatives in the realm of transportation.
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