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Can driving automation make demand responsive transit viable? A strategic modeling approach

Author

Listed:
  • Brudner, Amir
  • Patricio, Anne S.
  • Santos, Gonçalo Gonçalves Duarte
  • Antunes, António Pais
  • Ben-Akiva, Moshe

Abstract

This research investigates the viability and potential advantages of deploying a Demand-Responsive Transit (DRT) service in low-demand areas, with a particular focus on the role of driverless technology. Central to the analysis is a strategic modeling framework that captures the interaction between a transit regulator and a service operator. We propose a two-stage game-theoretic model in which the regulator sets the fare per kilometer and the operator responds by optimizing operations through an integer linear programming (ILP) model. This framework integrates demand estimation based on fare and service attributes with operational decision-making, enabling a systematic and computationally efficient evaluation of policy scenarios without relying on complex agent-based simulations.

Suggested Citation

  • Brudner, Amir & Patricio, Anne S. & Santos, Gonçalo Gonçalves Duarte & Antunes, António Pais & Ben-Akiva, Moshe, 2026. "Can driving automation make demand responsive transit viable? A strategic modeling approach," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 204(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:transa:v:204:y:2026:i:c:s0965856425004720
    DOI: 10.1016/j.tra.2025.104839
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    References listed on IDEAS

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