Imagine a familiar urban dilemma: you need to reach a destination in a part of the city not directly served by a major public transport line. While driving or using a ride-hailing service are options, they come with the risk of getting stuck in traffic. Moreover, the distance to public transport is often short. 

The frustrating "first and last-mile" gap in commuting remains a reality for many cities in the Asia-Pacific region. Fixed-route buses struggle to serve low-density areas, and a long walk in the hot, humid climate is often out of the question. But what if your next shared ride comes to you on a call or click on your mobile?

Demand-responsive transport (DRT) is an on-demand shared-ride service. Just like popular ride hailing services, passengers request a ride via mobile app or a call, and the system dynamically configures routes and schedules. Like a bus, the vehicle picks up and drops off multiple passengers on the go. The primary focus of DRT is addressing mobility needs in communities underserved by public transport. 

DRT is unique in that it cuts through the three dimensions of mobility: 1) Ride type: Individual vs. shared, 2) Ownership/operator: Public vs. private, and 3) Routing/scheduling: Fixed-route vs. on-demand. It sits at the intersection of public and private services; a flexible public transport option that comes to you when you need it, offering both convenience and efficiency.

Benefits of DRT

DRT is a versatile tool that extends far beyond simple convenience. Its benefits lie in its ability to tackle multiple urban mobility challenges at once:

1. Efficiency: DRT can operate in low passenger volume areas such as rural areas. For example, Nottsbus On Demand in the United Kingdom recorded 66 per cent reduction in cost per passenger. When integrated with school or paratransit services, DRT improves vehicle utilization and reduces the cost of subsidy per passenger. DRT can be introduced in peri-urban areas, new housing developments, or urban areas at night where PT is unavailable.
2. Sustainability: DRT works as a feeder to bus stops or train stations, filling the first and last-mile gap. In Australia, where cars were mostly used to get to the metro station, after nine months of the Cooee service, 34 per cent of  car users had either sold or were considering selling their cars. This shift from private cars leads to a reduction in emission, air pollution, noise, and congestion. When combined with electric vehicle fleets, its environmental benefits are even greater.
3. Resilience and technology: DRT can change routes in real-time to adapt to challenging road conditions, climate events, or other disruptions. A digital app provides a layer of security and transparency with features like real-time vehicle tracking and payment. It also pairs well with Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) or autonomous vehicles. For example, in France, DRT is integrated into the route planner app, simplifying and encouraging greater PT use.
4. Inclusiveness: DRT caters to those without a private car, providing access to education, healthcare, culture, and work opportunities. DRT minibuses cover over 80 per cent of the population in a rural United Kingdom area, catering to those who cannot drive, such as teenagers and senior citizens. A micro transit DRT in the suburban United States reached vulnerable rider groups with increased trips and access to employment, unlocking greater economic and social opportunities.

Thanks to these benefits, DRT has been implemented globally, including the Asia-Pacific. In the Republic of Korea, smart city initiatives are using DRT to optimize urban movement, while in Australia, it is a key tool for connecting suburban communities to transport hubs. A wave of DRT pilots in China are exploring how on-demand shared services can increase revenue, efficiency, and inclusiveness. In Bangkok, Thailand, MuvMi runs an electric tuk-tuk DRT service. While a private company, MuvMi consolidates demand, providing a reliable, convenient, and shared ride. It makes a perfect example of DRT in action, complementing the city's public transport network.

DRT is not a silver bullet. While it requires careful planning and financing, it can be a powerful and effective tool when integrated into a broader public transport system. User-focused planning, including managing expectations for waiting times and detours, is key. When paired with smart marketing and local buy-in, DRT can expand transport coverage and improve accessibility. With the right technological and policy considerations, DRT can deliver an inclusive and sustainable mobility option. 

To help member states leverage these technologies, ESCAP is partnering with UNHABITAT to implement a digitalization of public transport project supported by the United Nations Peace and Development Fund, particularly in bridging first and last-mile connectivity gaps in peri-urban areas of five pilot cities in the Asia-Pacific region.  The project aims to enhance capacity of local transport planners and communities to build a more accessible, inclusive and equitable mobility system for all and reduce the use of private transport modes.