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1.0 Introduction
1.1 Demand Responsive Transport ( DRT), described most simply, is any form of transport where day to day service provision is influenced by the demands of users. DRT planning can therefore involve: taxis; shared taxi/taxibus; community car schemes; non-emergency patient transport; 'joblink' services; ring-and-ride; social services transport; education services transport; dial-a-ride, community buses, and many other related services.
1.2 This report describes the findings of research commissioned by the Scottish Executive to review evidence on DRT delivery in rural and urban settings in Scotland. Specific objectives of the research were to:
- Consider the contribution that DRT can make to social inclusion and accessibility in rural and urban settings
- Explore the impact of the current DRT pilots in both rural and urban settings, particularly focusing on users and communities and the extent to which the Scottish Executive's existing and planned pilots meet policy objectives.
- Make recommendations on how future DRT schemes could be developed in Scotland including piloting of new approaches in urban and rural areas.
- Develop Best Practice Guidance for those wanting to take forward innovations in DRT in both urban and rural settings and recommend how stakeholders can work together to deliver schemes including appropriate levels and mechanisms for investment by the Scottish Executive.
1.3 The recent Transport White Paper 'Scotland's Transport Future' (2004) identified demand responsive services as a solution to overcome the difficulties in providing services in rural areas or less well served urban districts. This reflects the experiences of successful DRT development in the light of:
- Growing car ownership and the need for a form of public transport to serve lower demand routes and areas.
- The need to provide transport services to parts of the country that have never been served with public transport.
- The rapid growth of the community sector in transport delivery which has a strong track record in demand responsive services.
- The need for public transport to capture more of the growing market for bespoke minibus services.
- Advances in technology which have seen more dynamic booking systems improving vehicle utilisation.
Approach to the Project
1.4 The research was approached through four main work packages:
- What is DRT and where is it needed - Scoping, definitions, literature review and overview of existing types of scheme.
- How much DRT has already been developed in Scotland.
- What can be learned from Scottish Executive funded pilot schemes.
- Review of lessons, recommendations and development of best practice guidance.
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