2013 Volume 10 Pages 1367-1383
Our previous study showed that the current paratransit systems are not socially sustainable. In this study, it is aimed to clarify how the improvement of paratransit service affects drivers’ quality of life (QOL). This was done by integrating the optimization results of a paratransit system (i.e., angkot) from a bi-level optimization model and the QOL evaluation results from a simultaneous-equation ordered probit model by using data collected in Bandung, Indonesia. As a result, it is found that minimizing the total cost of paratransit operation and users does not necessarily increase the operation frequency and total distance traveled for all routes, and the level of paratransit service surely affects drivers’ QOL; however, improved paratransit services do not always improve drivers’ QOL. It is concluded that driver’s QOL needs to be reflected in decisions on paratransit operation.
