Analysis of user motivations, ridership, and side effects of an app-based demand-responsive transit
"Since the rebirth of demand-responsive transit (DRT) after 2010 many failed and discontinued initiatives have been observed. The issues range from inadequate technology, ill-defined spatial and temporal conditions, to missing knowledge of user preferences, low ridership, and of course funding, since many trials are ceased once the subsidy is stopped. In this paper, we explore the use and effects of an app-based DRT in a suburban environment based on the data collected from users and non-users of a newly launched service in Austria. The results indicate that the service performs well as a feeder mode for rail transportation with positive user reviews. However, there are concerns about a limited operating area, too short operating hours and low pooling effects (occupancy rates)."
Analysis of user motivations, ridership, and side effects of an app-based demand-responsive transit
"Since the rebirth of demand-responsive transit (DRT) after 2010 many failed and discontinued initiatives have been observed. The issues range from inadequate technology, ill-defined spatial and temporal conditions, to missing knowledge of user preferences, low ridership, and of course funding, since many trials are ceased once the subsidy is stopped. In this paper, we explore the use and effects of an app-based DRT in a suburban environment based on the data collected from users and non-users of a newly launched service in Austria. The results indicate that the service performs well as a feeder mode for rail transportation with positive user reviews. However, there are concerns about a limited operating area, too short operating hours and low pooling effects (occupancy rates)."
Delivery robots are small, autonomous vehicles designed to transport parcels.
"Delivery robots raise significant concerns for pedestrians. By occupying pavement space, they add congestion and clutter to the pavements, increasing competition for pavement space that is already a major issue in the UK – for example micromobility modes, electric vehicle charging points and pavement parking. This disproportionately affects disabled people (particularly wheelchair users and visually impaired people), older pedestrians and adults with prams and pushchairs. There are also unresolved questions about liability when incidents occur, as well as privacy concerns linked to the use of cameras in public space."
Delivery robots are small, autonomous vehicles designed to transport parcels.
"Delivery robots raise significant concerns for pedestrians. By occupying pavement space, they add congestion and clutter to the pavements, increasing competition for pavement space that is already a major issue in the UK – for example micromobility modes, electric vehicle charging points and pavement parking. This disproportionately affects disabled people (particularly wheelchair users and visually impaired people), older pedestrians and adults with prams and pushchairs. There are also unresolved questions about liability when incidents occur, as well as privacy concerns linked to the use of cameras in public space."
Benefits and harms of DRT in suburban areas
June 2026
Journal of Urban Mobility (1) 
Bartosz Bursa (1) 
Shared mobility (2) 
Austria (2)
Delivery Robots
Living Streets (8) 
Pavement Overload (2) 
