DEMAND-RESPONSIVE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR

Two privately owned demand-responsive transportation systems were investigated to determine the economic feasibility and marketability of these systems and the roles that they play in small- to medium-sized urban areas. The 2 systems are operated by innovative taxicab companies that offer door-to-door service in 6-passenger automobiles on a shared-ride basis. This paper summarizes the results of preliminary analyses of some of the basic information collected on the daily operations of these systems. The 2 companies differ in terms of fleet size, service area, fare structure, types of service offered, market strategies, and goals. Those differences are reflected in ridership, level-of-service, and economic characteristics. Preliminary results reveal the systems to be economically viable, marketable, and important components of the total public transportation system.