Demand Responsive Transport Review

We were appointed, with TAS Partnership, to review rural transport projects funded by the Scottish Executive. The main aim of the work was to provide relevant knowledge for the Scottish Executive on how Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) can best be delivered in rural and urban settings in Scotland to meet the policy goals of improving accessibility and social inclusion.

Summary

This research informed the Scottish Executive and others on how DRT can be further delivered in rural and urban settings in Scotland to meet the policy goals of improving accessibility and social inclusion. 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 a set of 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.

The research was approached in five main stages:

1. Scoping, definitions, literature review and overview of existing types of scheme.
2. Mapping of schemes.
3. Detailed initial work with the case studies.
4. Review of progress on the case studies.
5. Analysis of lessons, recommendations and drafting of best practice guidance.

The final report is here