Resurgence of Demand Responsive Transit services – Insights from BRIDJ trials in Inner West of Sydney, Australia

Abstract

This paper outlines the key insights gained from the Demand Responsive Transit (DRT) operations in Inner West Sydney, since its commencement in July 2018. It was identified that DRT can play a number of roles to complement the general public transport network, including the (1) peak feeder function, (2) connection function, and (3) coverage function. As a result, if successfully integrated with the existing public transport network, DRT can unlock broader fixed route network enhancements through resource reallocation to the key trunk routes. While the patronage for DRT services was found to steadily increase since the commencement of the operations, the key barrier for these services to attract further regular patronage remains the relatively higher fares arising due to the lack of Opal benefits such as mode transfer discounts or weekly caps. Therefore, while DRT has great potential to link those in less connected areas with public transport hubs, thus facilitating a modal shift away from private vehicles, they need to be affordable and well regulated. In the near future, DRT services will likely be integrated into MaaS applications, which could provide immense benefits in terms of sustainable travel and the effective utilisation of road network capacity.