The traditional public transit system may no longer be the most efficient or cost-effective option for suburban commuters. According to a group of researchers at Concordia University, the solution lies in the implementation of On-Demand Transit (ODT). This innovative approach, outlined in a paper published in the journal Transportation Research Record, replaces the traditional bus routes with a fleet of passenger vans. Through an algorithm-based system, drivers respond to rider requests made through smart devices at existing bus stops, providing a more flexible and personalized commuting experience.
Co-lead author Seyed Mehdi Meshkani highlights the numerous advantages of ODT over traditional bus-based fixed routes. From the passenger’s perspective, ODT improves flexibility, reduces wait times, and optimizes total travel time by minimizing frequent stops. By collecting multiple passengers at requested stops and transporting them directly to the nearest public transit hub, ODT streamlines the “first-mile” trips of commuters. In addition to passenger benefits, transit agencies stand to gain from reduced capital and operating costs, as well as a decrease in overall greenhouse gas emissions.
The researchers used the town of Terrebonne, Quebec, as a model for their proposed ODT system. Located on the North Shore of the St. Lawrence River, Terrebonne is a suburb of Montreal with a commuter rail line and bus system connecting it to nearby areas. By implementing ODT in Terrebonne, the researchers were able to demonstrate the system’s effectiveness without the need for physical prototypes. Smart devices installed at existing bus stops connect passengers to the dispatch algorithm, which matches requests based on factors such as wait time and proximity, assigning the appropriate vehicle for each pick-up.
One of the key advantages of ODT is its cost-effectiveness compared to traditional city buses. ODT utilizes passenger vans, which require less fuel, training, and maintenance to operate. This translates to lower operating costs for transit agencies, as city buses often run empty during low-use hours and can be expensive to maintain. The researchers’ comparison analysis revealed that ODT could potentially reduce total travel time by up to 36% and detour time by 41% when compared to existing bus-based services. Unlike ride-share services like Uber or Lyft, ODT maintains a fixed cost per trip, providing consistency and predictability for passengers.
Through the introduction of On-Demand Transit, the researchers at Concordia University have proposed a revolutionary approach to public transit that addresses the inefficiencies of traditional bus-based systems. By prioritizing passenger flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability, ODT has the potential to transform the way suburban commuters travel to work, offering a more efficient and personalized transportation solution for the future.
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