The Impact of Computer-Assisted Scheduling and Dispatching Systems on the Efficiency of Delivery of Paratransit Services: Evidence from Peoria, Illinois

Computer-assisted scheduling and dispatching (CASD) systems can perform and integrate many transit operations including the scheduling and dispatching of paratransit services. Thus paratransit operators have expectations of increases in productivity and service quality following installation of CASD systems. Despite the increase in the number of CASD systems deployments, the literature available on before and after studies of the transition from manual to automated dispatch systems is sparse. This paper presents the results of a follow up study of the CASD deployment in Peoria, Illinois. The analysis finds that a variety of efficiency and quality of service measures have been positively affected by the CASD implementation.