TY - JOUR
T1 - Identifying potential market niches for Demand Responsive Transport
AU - Davison, Lisa
AU - Enoch, Marcus
AU - Ryley, Tim
AU - Quddus, Mohammed
AU - Wang, Chao
PY - 2012
Y1 - 2012
N2 - In principle, Demand Responsive Transport services, or paratransit in US nomenclature, offer public transport providers a more flexible and potentiallymore 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 levels 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.
AB - In principle, Demand Responsive Transport services, or paratransit in US nomenclature, offer public transport providers a more flexible and potentiallymore 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 levels 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.
U2 - 10.1016/j.rtbm.2012.04.007
DO - 10.1016/j.rtbm.2012.04.007
M3 - Article
VL - 3
SP - 50
EP - 61
JO - Research in Transportation Business and Management
JF - Research in Transportation Business and Management
SN - 2210-5395
IS - 3
ER -