Category
transportation
68 entries tagged transportation.
Articles — 67
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Transport poverty meets the digital divide: accessibility and connectivity in rural communities
Rural communities struggle with poor physical transport infrastructure and limited digital connectivity, creating compounded accessibility challenges absent in urban areas. This paper examines how information technologies and demand-responsive transport services can address rural transport poverty. It identifies that most research focuses on urban environments, leaving rural solutions underdeveloped, and explores barriers and opportunities for integrating transport and technology to improve rural accessibility.
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On the urban-rural bus transit system with passenger-freight mixed flow
This paper examines bus transit systems that serve both urban and rural areas while carrying mixed passenger and freight loads. The authors analyze how combining these functions affects system efficiency and operations, providing insights into integrated transportation solutions that can serve dispersed rural populations while maintaining economic viability through freight revenue.
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A GIS‐based method to identify cost‐effective routes for rural deviated fixed route transit
This paper presents a GIS-based method to design cost-effective deviated fixed route transit (DFRT) services connecting rural and urban areas in the USA. Using demand distribution and road network data, the approach generates candidate routes of varying lengths and identifies the most cost-effective option by operating cost per passenger trip. A case study in Tennessee shows that optimal route length varies by location, helping government agencies select routes that minimize costs within specified budgets.
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Effects of Rising Gas Prices on Bus Ridership for Small Urban and Rural Transit Systems
Rising gasoline prices increase bus ridership in small urban and rural transit systems, but the effect is modest. Using dynamic models on ten years of data from eleven Midwest and mountain state transit agencies, the study finds ridership elasticity ranges from 0.08 to 0.22 relative to gas prices. Higher fares from increased ridership do not offset transit agencies' rising fuel costs.
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Enhancing the Service Quality of Transit Systems in Rural Areas by Flexible Transport Services
Dial-a-Ride systems improve public transit in rural areas where fixed schedules are inefficient due to variable demand and dispersed destinations. The authors develop a mixed-integer optimization model that minimizes both operating costs and total traveler time, accounting for different user types. Testing on real data from Japan shows the approach reduces waiting times and excess ride duration compared to conventional methods.
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Optimization of Electric Bus Scheduling for Mixed Passenger and Freight Flow in an Urban-Rural Transit System
This paper proposes an integrated passenger-freight transit system for urban-rural corridors that addresses low bus utilization and scattered freight demand. The authors develop an optimization model using mixed-integer linear programming to schedule electric buses that alternate between dedicated passenger trips and mixed on-demand passenger-freight trips, accounting for charging needs and service time windows. Testing on real and simulated networks shows the approach reduces travel costs while improving connectivity and resource efficiency in rural areas.
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Construction Management Challenges and Best Practices for Rural Transit Projects
Rural transit projects face distinct construction management challenges due to limited resources, geographic dispersion, and lack of expertise. This study surveyed 33 U.S. state transportation departments and two Canadian provinces, then validated findings through seven case studies. Key challenges include documentation gaps, staffing shortages, remote location difficulties, small contractor limitations, communication problems, and local environmental issues. The research identifies targeted best practices to address these rural-specific challenges and distinguishes construction management approaches needed for small rural projects versus large urban ones.
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Facing Societal Challenges: The Need for New Paradigms in Rural Transit Service
Rural transit operators must adopt new service paradigms to address changing societal needs. The paper identifies five new organizational and delivery models that rural transit systems can implement to better serve evolving rural populations and meet contemporary transportation challenges across diverse rural settings.
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Use characteristics and demographics of rural transit riders: a case study in Tennessee
Rural transit riders in Tennessee using deviated fixed route and demand responsive services are predominantly captive riders with limited transportation alternatives. These riders typically have lower incomes, fewer cars, and are more likely to be renters and non-white. Medical care is their primary trip purpose, distinguishing them from intercity bus users. Education levels correlate with openness to using rural transit services.
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Development of low-CO 2 -emission vehicles and utilization of local renewable energy for the vitalization of rural areas in Japan
Japan's rural areas face energy dependency and aging populations. This project developed low-CO2 vehicles—a micro-electric vehicle for single drivers and a low-speed electric bus—designed for elderly residents and tourists. Researchers tested renewable energy sources to power these vehicles, partnering with regional industries, local universities, and municipal governments to create sustainable mobility solutions that revitalize rural communities.
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MODELING TRANSIT ISSUES UNIQUE TO HURRICANE EVACUATIONS: NORTH CAROLINA'S SMALL URBAN AND RURAL AREAS
This paper develops a traffic operations model to plan hurricane evacuations in North Carolina's small urban and rural areas. The researchers identify evacuation timelines, traffic bottlenecks, and congestion-reduction strategies. They also create a methodology for scheduling buses to evacuate elderly and disabled residents who cannot leave by private vehicle, demonstrated through case studies of specific North Carolina communities.
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Serviceability Index to Evaluate Rural Demand-Responsive Transit System Operations
This paper develops a serviceability index to measure the capacity and quality of demand-responsive transit systems in rural areas. The authors surveyed transit providers in Alabama and created a methodology that uses regional socioeconomic conditions and operational data to evaluate performance. The index allows rural transit agencies to assess and compare their demand-responsive operations, addressing a gap in national transit analysis standards.
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Digital inclusive finance and the development of rural logistics in China
Digital inclusive finance significantly boosts rural logistics development in China, according to analysis of 31 provinces from 2013 to 2020. The relationship shows diminishing returns at higher levels of financial inclusion. The impact varies by region and economic development stage. Digital finance services help overcome traditional finance's limitations in rural areas, enabling better logistics infrastructure and operations.
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Safety evaluation of horizontal curves on two lane rural highways using machine learning algorithms: A priority-based study for sight distance improvements
This study develops safety thresholds for horizontal curves on rural two-lane highways using machine learning to predict crash risk based on sight distance and operating speed. Researchers collected speed and geometric data from 18 curves and found that higher operating speeds increase design inconsistency, while sharper deflection angles decrease it. The approach uses reliability indices as a surrogate safety measure instead of relying on unreliable crash data from police and insurance sources.
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Electric Two-Wheeler Vehicle Integration into Rural Off-Grid Photovoltaic System in Kenya
This paper models the integration of electric two-wheeler vehicles into an off-grid solar photovoltaic system serving rural Kenya. Using energy optimization modeling, researchers analyzed a Water-Energy Hub in Western Kenya and found that solar generation exceeds annual demand. They developed a load optimization method that reduces electricity deficits and enables the system to charge four additional e-bike batteries daily, demonstrating how renewable energy can support electric vehicle adoption while reducing emissions in rural areas.
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Cost–Benefit Analysis of Rural and Small Urban Transit in the United States
This study measures the economic value of public transit in rural and small urban areas across the United States, which had been largely unmeasured. Using national transit database data, researchers calculated that rural transit generated $1.6 billion in benefits and small urban transit generated $3.7 billion in 2011. Benefit-cost ratios were 1.20 for rural transit and 2.16 for small urban transit, demonstrating that these systems deliver measurable returns on investment, particularly for transportation-disadvantaged populations.
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Demand Response Transit Scheduling Research Based on Urban and Rural Transportation Station Optimization
Researchers developed a clustering algorithm combining DBSCAN and K-means to optimize demand-responsive transit routes between urban and rural areas. Testing in Henan Province, China, the system reduced operating costs by 9.5% and running time by 9.0% compared to regional flexible buses. The approach preprocesses passenger demand and optimizes station locations to improve service efficiency while promoting urban-rural integration.
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Rural Transit Systems Benefits in Tennessee: Methodology and an Empirical Study
This paper evaluates rural public transit services in Tennessee using a benefits assessment framework. The analysis shows that demand-responsive vanpool services deliver benefits exceeding costs, primarily by improving access to healthcare, job training, and other essential services for current riders. The study demonstrates that without these transit services, providing equivalent access to these activities would cost significantly more, and recommends better data collection on transit ridership.
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Estimating Ridership of Rural Demand–Response Transit Services for the General Public
This study develops models to predict ridership for rural demand-response transit services. Using national transit database records and survey data from transit agencies, the researchers find that ridership increases with older adult populations and people without vehicle access, while rising fares reduce ridership. Extended service days and shorter reservation notice periods significantly boost ridership. The models outperform previous research by incorporating more detailed service characteristics.
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Factors influencing autonomous vehicle adoption: an application of the technology acceptance model and innovation diffusion theory
This study examined what factors influence people's willingness to adopt autonomous vehicles using technology acceptance and innovation diffusion theories. Survey data from 274 respondents showed that perceived usefulness and ease of use drive adoption intentions. The research also found that innovation characteristics—including relative advantage, compatibility, image, demonstrability, visibility, and trialability—shape how useful and easy people perceive AVs to be, offering insights for promoting autonomous vehicle adoption.
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SDVN: enabling rapid network innovation for heterogeneous vehicular communication
This paper proposes an SDN-based architecture for vehicular communication networks that abstracts heterogeneous wireless devices and infrastructure into a unified, programmable system. The approach enables flexible protocol deployment and centralized resource allocation for bandwidth and spectrum, addressing current limitations in vehicular network deployment. The authors demonstrate the architecture's effectiveness through simulation-based validation.
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An innovation diffusion perspective of e-consumers’ initial adoption of self-collection service via automated parcel station
Automated parcel stations represent a logistics innovation addressing delivery inefficiencies. This study examines why consumers adopt self-collection services via these stations. Using innovation diffusion and attitude theory, researchers surveyed 170 Singapore e-consumers and found that favorable attitudes and perceived relative advantage directly drive adoption intention, while compatibility, trialability, and complexity influence adoption indirectly through attitude formation.
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A structural equation modeling approach for the acceptance of driverless automated shuttles based on constructs from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology and the Diffusion of Innovation Theory
This study examined public acceptance of automated shuttles through surveys of 340 people who experienced a driverless shuttle in Berlin. Compatibility with existing travel habits emerged as the strongest predictor of willingness to use automated shuttles, surpassing expected performance benefits. Trust and willingness to share rides also increased acceptance. Participants found the shuttles easy to use but expressed safety concerns without onboard supervision, preferring remote control room monitoring instead.
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User-led Innovation Processes: The Development of Professional Car Sharing by Environmentally Concerned Citizens
User-led innovation drives early technology development and diffusion. Citizen groups shape technological characteristics, costs, and use forms, creating 'technological niches' where essential learning occurs. This case study traces organized car sharing in Switzerland from neighborhood experiments in the late 1980s to a professional service serving 50,000 customers. The research shows how users' initial contributions became difficult for professional actors to replicate, and examines how user roles shifted during market expansion toward sustainable transport.
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Exploring the Relationships of Green Perceived Value, the Diffusion of Innovations, and the Technology Acceptance Model of Green Transportation
This study examines what drives people to use green transportation by testing how perceived value, usefulness, and ease of use affect adoption intentions. Using structural equation modeling, the research finds that perceived usefulness is the strongest predictor of green transportation adoption, while ease of use has a weaker effect. Perceived value alone doesn't directly influence adoption but works through perceived usefulness. The analysis shows early majority adopters dominate green transportation uptake, suggesting governments should emphasize usefulness and value to increase public adoption.
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Studying disruptive events: Innovations in behaviour, opportunities for lower carbon transport policy?
Transport policy assumes travel patterns are fixed, leading to over-reliance on technological solutions like electric vehicles. This paper examines how people actually adapt mobility during disruptive events, revealing greater capacity for behavior change than policy recognizes. The authors argue that broadening interventions beyond technology to address when and how mobility matters for daily activities could reduce travel demand and carbon emissions more effectively.
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Last Mile Innovation: The Case of the Locker Alliance Network
Singapore's government proposed a Locker Alliance network of public lockers in residential areas to improve parcel delivery efficiency. Using data analytics and facility location modeling, researchers found that optimal locker placement should not focus solely on high-volume delivery areas, but instead serve residential neighborhoods. A 250-meter coverage distance emerged as appropriate for Singapore's network, enabling better utilization despite lacking complete customer transit data.
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Autonomous Vehicles Acceptance: A Perceived Risk Extension of Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology and Diffusion of Innovation, Evidence from Tehran, Iran
This study examines what factors influence people's acceptance of autonomous vehicles in Tehran, Iran by combining three theoretical frameworks: technology acceptance theory, innovation diffusion theory, and perceived risk. Survey data from 641 residents shows that performance expectations and effort expectations drive acceptance most strongly, while perceived risk reduces it. Trialability and observability of the technology have modest positive effects on acceptance.
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The Risk of Dissolution of Sustainable Innovation Ecosystems in Times of Crisis: The Electric Vehicle during the COVID-19 Pandemic
The paper examines how the electric vehicle ecosystem evolved during the COVID-19 pandemic and identifies factors that enable ecosystem growth despite crises. The authors argue that disruptions like pandemics can create opportunities for sustainable innovations to break through by shifting established behavioral patterns. They assess whether the EV sector capitalized on pandemic-driven changes to accelerate the transition from internal combustion engines to green mobility.
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Greening logistics and its impact on environmental performance: an absorptive capacity perspective
Australian logistics and transport operators improve environmental performance by building absorptive capacity—the ability to acquire, assimilate, transform, and exploit green logistics knowledge. The study of 279 firms shows that enhancing knowledge exploitation through operational changes and new practices reduces CO2 emissions, fuel consumption, and environmental compliance costs. Firms must systematically integrate environmental information across channels to achieve greener logistics.
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Capacity and Coverage Analysis of High Altitude Platform (HAP) Antenna Arrays for Rural Vehicular Broadband Services
High altitude platforms using millimeter-wave technology can deliver broadband services to rural vehicles lacking connectivity. The study analyzes antenna array configurations to optimize coverage and data rates. Results show that 900-element arrays achieve 95% coverage with average user capacity between 34–135 Mbps, while 64-element arrays deliver 50 Mbps even at network edges despite higher path loss.
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Future of Rural Transit
This paper examines how emerging technologies like automated vehicles and hologram telecommuting will reshape rural public transportation in the United States. The authors argue that these innovations will fundamentally change how rural areas are defined geographically, moving from discrete categories to a continuous spectrum based on population density. They identify key drivers of technological change and project significant long-term impacts on rural communities and transportation systems.
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From Rural Single-County to Multicounty Regional Transit Systems: Benefits of Consolidation
This study examines consolidating single-county rural public transit systems into multicounty regional systems in North Carolina. Researchers identified opportunities and barriers to regional integration, analyzed case studies of successful consolidations, and recommended programmatic and legislative changes to facilitate regional transit systems. The findings show that consolidation improves coordination of public transportation services across rural counties.
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How rural is too rural for transit? Optimal transit subsidies and supply in rural areas
This paper models optimal public transit supply in low-density rural areas by analyzing trade-offs between passenger welfare and operating costs. Using data from a rural corridor, the authors test different network lengths, service frequencies, and population sizes across car, bus, and rail modes. They find that adjusting rail frequency generates the largest welfare gains, that existing rail networks provide marginal benefits until major repairs are needed, and that bus service remains worthwhile even when rail closure becomes optimal as populations decline.
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Consolidating passenger and freight transportation in an urban–rural transit system
This paper demonstrates that combining freight and passenger transportation on buses in urban-rural areas improves profitability and reduces costs. The authors developed a mathematical model to optimize coordination between these services and tested it through a case study. Results show that consolidating freight with passenger transport cuts logistics costs and increases bus company profits while benefiting society.
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Demand Forecasting for Rural Transit
Rural transit demand forecasting helps allocate limited transportation resources to underserved populations. This study developed three forecasting models based on usage data from four Washington counties to predict ridership on public transportation systems. The disaggregated transit demand model proved most refined and flexible, offering a practical tool for predicting transit needs in underserved rural areas.
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Cost Estimating Tool for Early Estimates for Rural and Small Urban Transit Facilities
Construction cost overruns plague rural and small urban transit projects. This paper develops a cost estimating tool and database to address the lack of compiled cost information for these facilities. Researchers reviewed literature, interviewed transportation officials and consultants, surveyed historical cost data, and built regression models to predict design and construction costs. They identified typical risk factors and their frequency levels, delivering a practical tool to support early-stage cost estimation for rural transit projects.
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Innovation and Sustainable Solutions for Mobility in Rural Areas: A Comparative Analysis of Case Studies in Europe
Rural areas across Europe face severe transport limitations that restrict access to services, education, and jobs, perpetuating socio-economic exclusion. This study examines successful mobility solutions implemented across EU countries through case study analysis and literature review. The research identifies effective practices—including door-to-door service delivery, infrastructure repurposing, and volunteer transport networks—that improve accessibility and social inclusion in rural communities by tailoring solutions to local needs rather than applying urban models.
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Transit Safety of Women in Rural-Urban Contexts
Young women experience sexual harassment and transit crime that restricts their mobility and public participation. A survey of Swedish railway passengers in 2022 found that young women face higher victimization rates than older women. Rural women report feeling safer than urban women but take more precautions before traveling, such as avoiding certain stations or traveling with companions at night. The research calls for gender and age-sensitive mobility policies that address women's safety needs in rural contexts.
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Use of Alternative Fuels and Hybrids by Small Urban and Rural Transit
A survey of 115 small urban and rural transit agencies reveals that larger and urban providers adopt alternative fuels and hybrids more readily than smaller rural operators. Agencies pursue these technologies primarily for emissions reductions, public perception, and cost savings. Rural adoption lags due to concerns about infrastructure costs and fuel supply availability. The study documents actual experiences with biodiesel, E85, propane, natural gas, and hybrid vehicles across different community sizes.
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Technology Adoption by Small Urban and Rural Transit Agencies
A national survey of rural transit agencies receiving federal Section 5311 funding examined technology adoption patterns. Larger agencies with bigger budgets and fleets adopted technologies like automatic vehicle location, scheduling software, GPS systems, and mobile data terminals at higher rates. Manager education, conference attendance, vendor interaction, and training participation significantly influenced adoption decisions. The findings help identify which agencies would benefit from technology investments and reveal unexpected adopters worth studying.
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Fuzzy Logic-Enhanced Sustainable and Resilient EV Public Transit Systems for Rural Tourism
This paper develops F-AMIS, a fuzzy logic-based optimization system for managing electric vehicle public transit in rural tourism areas. The system handles variable tourist demand and infrastructure constraints better than traditional methods. A case study shows F-AMIS reduces operational costs by 20% and increases service coverage from 75% to 90% while improving resilience and sustainability. The framework offers a scalable solution for rural EV transit planning.
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Investigating the Intention of Rural Residents to Use Transit in Cixi, China
Rural residents in Cixi, China choose transit modes based on income, car ownership, and satisfaction with bus service convenience and reliability. Using structural equation modeling, the study identifies these key factors influencing transit adoption among rural and suburban residents. Findings suggest that improving bus service quality and reliability can increase rural transit use in developing Chinese regions.
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Integrated Operation of Trunk Routes and Branches of Rural Transit
Rural transit systems in China operate inefficiently when trunk and branch routes function separately. This paper proposes integrated operation where trunk routes function like urban transit while minibuses serve branch routes with flexible scheduling. Branch routes should connect to adjacent trunk routes, and multiple routes across neighboring towns should coordinate to maximize vehicle capacity and passenger flow. A case study in Pukou district demonstrates the practical benefits of this integrated approach.
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Individuals’ Attitudes Toward Public Transit in a Rural Transit District
Rural commuters in the United States face higher transportation costs than urban residents, especially during periods of high gasoline prices. This study surveyed rural commuters to determine whether they would use public transit if available and what factors influence their decision. The research found that commuters do prefer public transit service, and sustaining it requires focusing on the service attributes that matter most to users.
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Advanced LED Warning Signs for Rural Intersections Powered by Renewable Energy
Researchers developed and tested an advanced LED warning system for rural intersections with poor sight lines due to curves. The system actively detects approaching vehicles and activates LED warning signs for conflicting traffic movements, addressing the ineffectiveness of static warning signs at rural through/stop intersections. The team evaluated driver behavior through video analysis and surveyed local residents and frequent users.
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The Case for the Development of Public Transit in an Urban Boundary Rural Area
A survey of commuters in a rural area bordering a metropolitan region reveals that people would use public transit if available, driven by concerns about fuel costs and pollution. Educated and younger residents show the strongest preference for transit, challenging assumptions that rural populations inherently prefer automobiles.
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A Rural Transit Vehicle Management System and Condition Predictor Model
Researchers developed a computer database system and predictive model to help Alabama manage its rural transit fleet. The system tracks vehicle conditions and predicts individual vehicle ratings without requiring costly physical inspections. This tool enables the state transportation department to make equitable decisions about vehicle acquisition and disposal across regions with varying road conditions and socioeconomic circumstances.
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Evaluation of Road Traffic Noise Change due to Bus Route Variation of Demand Responsive Transit Scenario in Rural Area
This study evaluates how demand-responsive transit (DRT) bus services affect road traffic noise in rural areas. Researchers compared noise levels from a fixed bus route against five DRT scenarios using a three-dimensional prediction model. DRT operations reduced noise in certain areas, particularly in low-traffic locations surrounded by mountains. The noise reduction depended on traffic volume and local topography.
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Data-Driven Modeling of Demand-Responsive Transit: Evaluating Sustainability Across Urban, Rural, and Intercity Scenarios
This paper develops a framework for evaluating demand-responsive transit (DRT) systems—flexible public transportation that adjusts routes based on passenger demand—across urban, rural, and intercity settings. The authors synthesize research using bibliometric analysis and scenario-based modeling to show that rural DRT pilots improve resilience despite cost pressures, urban systems prioritize scheduling efficiency, and intercity services require multimodal coordination. The framework integrates economic, environmental, and social sustainability dimensions to guide policy decisions.
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Data-Driven Approach to State of Good Repair: Predicting Rolling Stock Service Life with Machine Learning for State of Good Repair Backlog Reduction and Long-Range Replacement Cost Estimation in Small Urban and Rural Transit Systems
This paper develops a machine learning model to predict when transit vehicles need replacement in small urban and rural U.S. transit systems. Using historical data from retired vehicles, the model applies random forest and gradient boosting techniques to estimate service life, identify maintenance backlogs, and forecast replacement costs. The tool helps transit agencies maintain vehicles in good repair, reduce backlogs, and make better funding decisions for asset management.
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Life cycle cost of mobility electrification with renewable energy in an off-grid rural area: The Karya Jadi village case in Indonesia
In an off-grid Indonesian village, solar photovoltaic systems installed by government programs failed after three years due to battery deterioration, leaving functional panels underutilized during daylight hours. This study demonstrates that electric motorbikes charged by existing PV systems can generate significant financial savings compared to gasoline motorbikes, which are expensive in remote areas due to transportation costs. The analysis uses life cycle cost methodology to show how electrifying rural transportation can extend the economic viability of renewable energy infrastructure.
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Reimagining rural transit: model-based insights into demand-responsive transportation
Demand-responsive transportation (DRT) can reduce rural car dependency and improve service quality in low-density regions. A model of a German rural area shows DRT achieving 14% modal share, with stronger uptake in peripheral zones. While DRT increases overall road traffic slightly by shifting from other transit modes, it remains economically viable at roughly double current transit fares and significantly improves accessibility in areas with poor traditional public transit.
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Modeling the Demand for Demand Responsive Transit Service in Shrinking Rural Areas
Demand responsive transit (DRT) offers a flexible alternative to traditional transit in shrinking rural areas. Using survey data from South Korea, the study finds that younger people, higher-income households, and tech-savvy residents are more likely to adopt DRT. However, residents in severely declining areas show lower adoption rates. Service efficiency, cost, and travel time significantly influence mode choice. The research recommends targeted service design, infrastructure improvements, and financial incentives to make DRT viable in rural regions.
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Rural electromobility: innovation for transportation in indigenous and rural communities
Rural electromobility using light electric vehicles like tricycles and motorcycles can reduce transportation gaps in indigenous and rural communities in southeastern Mexico. The study of three states found that despite financing and maintenance challenges, electric vehicles offer emissions reductions, cost savings, and improved service access. Success requires participatory design, local technical training, and coordination with academic institutions.
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Navigating Rural: Place-Based Transit Solutions for Rural Canada | Parcourir Le Milieu Rural: Des Solutions de Transport en Commun en Milieu Rural Canadien
Rural Canada faces significant transportation challenges due to low population density and geographic dispersion. This paper examines place-based transit solutions tailored to rural communities' specific needs and contexts. The authors analyze how customized transportation approaches can improve mobility and connectivity in rural areas, supporting economic development and quality of life while accounting for local conditions and resources.
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PERCEIVED SOCIO-ECONOMIC SPILL-OVER EFFECTS OF TRANSIT RURAL ROADS DEVELOPMENT ON RURAL FARM HOUSEHOLDS IN MAKURDI LGA IN BENUE STATE NIGERIA
Rural road development in Nigeria's Makurdi Local Government Area generates significant socio-economic benefits for farm households, including improved transport linkages, increased farmer income, and enhanced quality of life. Farmers ranked improved mobility as the top benefit, followed by income increases and economic wellbeing gains. However, corruption emerged as the primary constraint limiting road development effectiveness. The study recommends increased government budgets and stronger monitoring mechanisms to prevent fund misappropriation.
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Intentional transit practice through a nearby hospital for remote area emergencies provides earlier primary care than helicopter emergency medical services alone in rural emergencies: a single-center, observational study
In rural Japan, transporting serious patients to a nearby hospital while simultaneously requesting helicopter emergency services reduces the time before patients receive initial medical care compared to waiting for helicopter arrival alone. However, this practice delays final arrival at specialized facilities and increases helicopter waiting times. The approach helps direct patients to appropriate specialized centers based on diagnostic findings at the transit hospital.
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A Cross-Sectional Study on the Public Perception of Autonomous Demand-Responsive Transits (ADRTs) in Rural Towns: Insights from South-East Queensland
This study surveyed public perception of autonomous demand-responsive transit systems in rural South-East Queensland towns. Respondents saw greatest potential for university campuses and 24/7 operations, but mobility-disadvantaged groups—disabled people, seniors, and school children—showed less support. Demographic factors significantly shaped attitudes toward implementation. The authors recommend tailored ADRT services designed for specific population groups rather than one-size-fits-all approaches.
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Beyond the City Limits: Analysis of Federal Funding of Public Transit in Rural Canada
Canada's Rural Transit Solutions Fund has shifted federal funding patterns and increased transit accessibility in some rural areas, but significant gaps persist. Smaller, remote, and Indigenous communities still face disparities in accessing federal support. The fund is changing who receives funding and where money flows, yet it has not fully aligned with rural transportation needs across the country.
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RURAL VS. URBAN TRAVEL BEHAVIOR: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MOBILITY PATTERNS IN THE IZMIR URBAN RAIL MASS TRANSIT SYSTEM (IZBAN)
This study compares travel behavior between rural and urban residents using the Izmir Urban Rail Transit System in Turkey. Analysis of 606 surveys reveals urban travelers enjoy shorter trips and better public transit access, while rural travelers depend on private vehicles and travel longer distances. Socio-economic factors like income significantly influence travel patterns. The findings highlight distinct mobility challenges in each setting and provide evidence for designing equitable, sustainable transportation policies.
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Michigan’s Rural Transit Enterprises and Their Attributes
Michigan's 57 rural transit agencies operate 5.6 million trips annually across 37,000 square miles, but face significant technology and connectivity barriers. A 2024 survey reassessed technology readiness levels among these agencies, examined rider demographics, funding mechanisms, and voter support. The study recommends strategic communication, technology adaptation, and user-centered design improvements, including a statewide Mobility-as-a-Service platform to enhance rural transit accessibility and efficiency.
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The Correlation Between Aging Population and Public Transit-Based Medical Accessibility in Rural Areas - Focusing on Rural Townships in Seobuk-gu, Cheonan -
In South Korea's aging rural townships, this study compared medical accessibility by car versus public transit. Cars reached most hospitals within 60 minutes, but public transit served only 1-2 facilities in the optimal timeframe. Strong correlations emerged between elderly population growth and access to multiple hospitals via public transit, though not with travel speed alone. The findings show that offering diverse transit routes to multiple medical facilities matters more than speed for elderly populations in rural areas.
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Optimization of Transit Route and Frequency for Integrated Urban–Rural Transit Network
This paper develops a mathematical model to optimize integrated urban-rural bus transit networks by simultaneously adjusting routes and frequencies. The model minimizes both passenger costs and operator costs. Testing shows integrated networks reduce transfers and passenger travel time compared to separate urban and rural systems, though operating costs significantly influence outcomes. The approach provides trade-offs between passenger convenience and operator efficiency.
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Advancing Rural Mobility: Identifying Operational Determinants for Effective Autonomous Road-Based Transit
Autonomous public transport can address rural mobility challenges by offering flexible, cost-effective options. A survey of 273 residents in South-East Queensland reveals that different vehicle types serve distinct purposes: small shuttles work best for leisure trips, minibuses improve first-mile and last-mile connectivity, and standard buses suit high-capacity school transport. Hybrid systems combining autonomous and conventional buses outperform full automation, while autonomous taxis raise equity concerns. Integration with mobility platforms enhances service delivery for special events.
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Kupuna transit hub – the case for the Waianae transit station: Addressing wellbeing, access, and mobility in rural areas of Oahu
This paper examines a proposed transit hub in Waianae, a rural area of Oahu, Hawaii. The project addresses transportation access and mobility challenges in rural communities while promoting wellbeing for kupuna (Hawaiian elders). The transit station design aims to improve connectivity and quality of life for residents in underserved rural areas.
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Regional Transit Authority Efforts to Support COA Transportation in Rural Areas in Massachusetts
A regional transit authority in Massachusetts deployed trip-booking software to improve transportation for older adults and people with disabilities across rural and urban areas. Dispatchers and directors valued automated rider information and digital reporting, though some technical issues persisted. Trip data showed modest increases in essential trips, but riders wanted more social and recreational options. Coordination across towns remains difficult due to varying COA operations and policies.
Media stories — 1
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German State Pledges €1.6M to Expand Hydrogen Output for Mobility Supply
A German state government committed €1.6 million to expand hydrogen production for transportation applications. The funding supports infrastructure development to increase hydrogen supply for mobility solutions, advancing the region's clean energy transition and reducing dependence on fossil fuels for transport.