01658035

Component

Demand responsive transportation (DRT) is a rapidly growing subset of passenger transportation due to growing use of paratransit services and opportunities unlocked by new mobile technologies. This research examines a specific type of DRT operations, which is the development of transactional data specifications. Transactional data specifications are data that contain information that allow for requested trips to be assigned to one of several transit suppliers. Such specifications are an opportunity for collaboration as well as a potential inhibitor of integration. Yet there are few initiatives that have implemented transactional data specifications in practice, and none that have been described in the North American context. To help fill the gap, this paper presents an in-depth case study of a DRT transactional data standard used in Scandinavia, known as SUTI (Standardiserat Utbyte av Trafik Information). The case method is used to describe the development and adoption of the SUTI standard, and draw lessons that may be applicable to the North American DRT market. Three main conclusions are drawn from the case. First, the adoption of transactional data specifications can improve DRT services through improved services as more providers enter the market. Second, technical data specifications and standards must be adaptable over time as demand for data change with demands for services. Third, the Swedish government played a key role in pushing for the SUTI standards and opening the DRT market. These results have important implications for policymakers, technology firms, and transportation providers with interest in sharing transactional DRT data.

This paper was sponsored by TRB committee AP060 Standing Committee on Paratransit.

18-00307

English

12p

2018

Transportation Research Board 97th Annual Meeting

Digital/other

Figures; References

Case studies; Data sharing; Demand responsive transportation; Standards

Sweden

Data and Information Technology; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2018 Paper #18-00307

TRIS, TRB, ATRI

Jan 8 2018 10:05AM