AN ANALYSIS OF INTRODUCTION OF SMALL CAPACITY PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM IN AN AREA WITH SPARSE PUBLIC TRANSPORT DEMAND

Abstract

  This study attempts to provide highlights for choice of cost-efficient public transport services in regions with declining demand. Taking a typical local area in Japan as a case study, a questionnaire survey was conducted to grasp how people are likely to choose smaller capacity public transport systems if present buses are replaced with these systems. A cost estimation model for on demand operation is suggested based on the survey results which revealed that fares are more effective than frequencies and connections; and until a certain level of demand, operation costs may be reduced but for higher demand, more number of vehicles may increase the total cost.