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. In the context of Inner West Sydney, DRT plays the role of a feeder service during the morning and evening peak periods, where commuters use these services to directly access train stations serving high frequency train services. During the inter-peak and off-peak periods, DRT services provide connection and coverage functions by acting like the traditional bus services, to provide stop-to-stop services. Considering the flexibility in the role of DRT, if successfully integrated with the existing public transport network, it 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.