The actual demand behind demand-responsive transport: Assessing behavioral intention to use DRT systems in two rural areas in Germany

Abstract

Despite the potential capability of demand-responsive transport systems (DRT) to improve service quality of public transport in rural areas, existing DRT systems in Germany are often under-utilized. Thus, there is a need to examine usage barriers and facilitating factors that affect the adoption of DRT systems. A household survey in two rural areas of Germany with DRT systems (N = 205) based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) was conducted and analysed using the Structural Equation Model (SEM) approach. The results indicate that the constructs of Performance Expectancy and Facilitating Conditions were useful predictors of Behavioural Intentions to use DRT systems, with Performance Expectancy having the strongest impact on the model. The resulting model explained 47% of variance of Behavioural Intention to use a DRT. The results contribute to a greater understanding of the actual users’ demand behind demand-responsive transport and provide recommendations for policy and practitioners to design and operate user-centred DRT systems and thus to enhance their adoption.