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Davison et al DRT market niche RTBM accepted 2012.pdf (135.4 kB)

Identifying potential market niches for Demand Responsive Transport

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journal contribution
posted on 2013-08-14, 12:01 authored by Louise Davison, Marcus EnochMarcus Enoch, Tim Ryley, Mohammed Quddus, Chao Wang
In principle, Demand Responsive Transport services, or paratransit in US nomenclature, offer public transport providers a more flexible and potentially more cost effective delivery option than conventional bus services, particularly in situations of low demand. However in practice, there are many examples of promising DRT schemes that have failed, for a number of reasons. One recurring feature appears to be that the DRT operation introduced is not appropriate for the market served. This is due to a lack of knowledge as to what markets may be susceptible to DRT. This paper aims to help address this research gap by drawing on the findings of two qualitative research data collection efforts, exploratory in-depth interviews and focus groups, each including industry experts. Using a marketing framework, developments at the micro, meso and macro level are explored to determine the circumstances necessary for developing ‘successful’ DRT market niches. Implications for managerial practice include integration of services to improve market penetration and in responding to market development opportunities aimed at the general public. Technology plays the greatest role in responding to market niche demand, primarily in enabling flexible booking and providing real time information, supporting market development, product development and diversification opportunities.

History

School

  • Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering

Citation

DAVISON, L. ... et al, 2012. Identifying potential market niches for Demand Responsive Transport. Research in Transportation Business and Management, 3, pp.50-61.

Publisher

© Elsevier

Version

  • AM (Accepted Manuscript)

Publication date

2012

Notes

This is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in the journal Research in Transportation Business & Management. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rtbm.2012.04.007

ISSN

2210-5395

Language

  • en

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