Results from the real-world-laboratory based pilot operation of a demand responsive bus system

Abstract

Abstract In the real-world-laboratory in Schorndorf, Germany (www.reallabor-schorndorf.de) a demand-responsive bus system has been developed within the last two years. From March until December 2018, this flexible bus system replaces two standard bus lines. As part of a real-world-laboratory approach, the residents of Schorndorf, as well as other relevant stakeholders have been involved in the project as co-designers to develop a customised public transport system that meets the requirements of all types of users in the mid-sized town near Stuttgart. To be able to waive bus-stops and timetables, an app-based booking-system has been installed. Users can choose a desired pick-up point and time. The system then computes an optimal route and offers a nearby pick-up point and a pick-up time. In order to avoid exclusion of residents without smartphone a hotline is established to allow phone bookings. From March 2018 on, the new bus system runs within a pilot operation. During the pilot, citizens are continuously involved in the testing and evaluation of the bus system in order to further improve the service. In the proposed publication, first results from the pilot operation will be presented. These include the results of selected key performance indicators (KPIs) from a user survey. Examples for KPIs are overall ratings of the bus system, the evaluation of the booking system and the comparison to the conventional bus system. The real-world-laboratory in Schorndorf represents a new methodological approach to create, implement and operate a demand-responsive public transport system. The publication attempts to share experiences made in the project and gives specific recommendations for similar approaches.