This special issue focuses on the development and governance of on-demand transport (ODT), also known as demand-responsive transport (DRT) or microtransit. Powered by recent technological advancements in intelligent communications technology (ICT) and digital platforms, ODT has played different roles in moving people, ranging from feeding passengers to mass transit (e.g., heavy rail, metro/subway, bus rapid transit) to providing point-to-point or point-to-hub services, to replacing traditional fixed route bus services in areas where demand is patchy. Consequently, ODT has become the main focus of many transport authorities in their effort of improving existing transport networks, including the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This special issue calls for papers that investigate the potential, the governance or operation models of ODT and the geographical context in which such services may (or may not) be leveraged to improve the effectiveness of an existing transport network in moving people, providing accessibility/connectivity and/or improving social equity.
Papers will be sought that address the development, operation, and governance of ODT services that have, as their centre of attention, (i) clear links to transport and communications technology, (ii) practical implications and lessons for integrating ODT services into an existing network through, for example, policy setting, modelling work, contractual agreement, or regulation. Papers which demonstrate successful outcomes and plans in progress are welcome. Papers more specifically in the following areas would be especially welcome:
- ODT systems in regional and rural areas
- Evaluation of ODT performance (with respect to its operational objectives)
- Development of formal and informal ODT in the developing world
- Integration of ODT system into existing transport network (e.g., how ODT interacts with other transport modes including traditional public transport, community transport, and emerging on-demand services such as Uber, ride-share, bikeshare, micro-mobility)
- ODT and co-modal solutions
- ODT modelling and planning
- How to achieve a scalable ODT system or do we want a scalable ODT that “jampacks” our city?
- Measurement of business activity and success (e.g., what makes a good Key Performance Indicator or KPI for the sustainability or effectiveness of ODT)
- Links between methodologies and operation that drive good practice and operational contract development.
