Demand-Responsive Transport for a Structuring Public Transit Hub

In the cities of Saint-Constant and Terrebonne, the majority of public transit users drive their cars to the train station or bus terminal. Even though the distance travelled is short, getting to the train station or bus terminal can be an issue for those who feel driving is the only reliable option they have. As a result, incentive parking lots are full and traffic in the area is heavy. Population growth and increased employment have exacerbated the situation in the northern and southern fringes of the cities more than elsewhere, as confirmed in the recent origin-destination survey.

The Exo public transit agency is proposing to set up a custom, demand-responsive transport service for trips to the train station or bus terminal. This service will be operated for a period of 12 months by small vehicles (4 to 7 seats) and customers will be able to reserve a seat using a mobile application. They will be advised in real time of the arrival of the vehicle, and will therefore be able to optimize their trips arriving at the hub on time, and stress free, having avoided the congestion and uncertainty associated with the incentive parking lot, and enhancing the overall travel experience.

This pilot project is designed to increase the number of options available to transit users, limit daily use of cars and as a result reduce GHG emissions. The service could also eliminate the need to increase the size of parking lots or build new ones. Also, regarding public transit development, this pilot project will make it feasible to measure the impact of demand-responsive transport on the frequency of buses serving the area, as well as the use of parking lots. Furthermore, potential synergy with the use of active modes of transportation will be evaluated, and surveys conducted to determine whether the service attracts new public transit users.

The pilot project is aligned with local and regional plans and will strengthen the directions set out in the Saint-Constant and Terrebonne urban plans regarding Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and alternatives to car use

Innovative aspects

• The primary innovative aspect of the project is the use of a digital platform for reserving trips, with an algorithm that optimizes vehicle ridership on the basis of demand in real time. This type of public service is still limited in Quebec.
• Shared mobility platforms (e.g., Uber) have emerged in recent years. Adapting this approach to the public transportation sector is a relatively unique concept. The pilot project should make it feasible to determine if the proposed business model is viable and if anticipated environmental benefits materialize.

Replicability

The proposed approach and lessons learned could be applied, in whole or in part, by many other municipalities in Quebec and Canada. Urban sprawl and low-density residential areas have been on the rise throughout the country for many years. Public transit is available in these communities, but travelling from home to public transit is often an issue.

Environmental benefits

• Reduction of 13,445 tonnes C02/year in greenhouse gas emissions
• Reduction of 64,230 km/year of kilometres driven to access public transit

Economic benefits

• Deferral or avoidance of parking-related investment expenditures
• Decrease in annual parking maintenance and surveillance costs

Social benefits

• Enhancement of quality of life for the community by reducing local even regional congestion
• Increased access to transportation opportunities and equity by providing mobility option to individuals who do not wish to or cannot drive a car