Smarter public transport? Empirical lessons from demand-responsive mobility solutions
The transport sector accounts for one third of Sweden’s emissions, with private car use dominating. Achieving the climate targets requires measures that are not solely technical but also take social and behavioural dimensions into account. Demand-Responsive Transport (DRT) has attracted increased attention as a flexible and resource-efficient complement or alternative to traditional fixed-route public transport and is highlighted as a solution in areas where conventional public transport is inefficient or unprofitable. At the same time, research shows that many DRT projects fail or have limited impact.
The project aims to study both successes and failures and to provide a basis for what is required for DRT to become a sustainable part of the future transport system, where citizens’ needs are at the centre. Specifically, the project examines how perceived accessibility can increase attractiveness and thereby reduce car dependency. Using advanced methods, particularly Necessity Condition Analysis (NCA), the project identifies which factors are necessary conditions for behavioural change. The results will be used to develop planning tools that can be integrated into the work of transport authorities.
Photo: GKWEST, CC BY-SA 4.0 – creativecommons.org