|
|
Post by SILENCED on Jul 2, 2022 11:40:46 GMT
There have been numerous attempts to make this work around the country, seemingly without luck. Why do we think this is? What could be done to make them more attractive to potential users? In theory sounds like a workable idea.
|
|
|
|
Post by snowman on Jul 2, 2022 12:04:55 GMT
There have been numerous attempts to make this work around the country, seemingly without luck. Why do we think this is? What could be done to make them more attractive to potential users? In theory sounds like a workable idea. The basic concept doesn’t really work against the competition You have to call or summon the service, then wait for it to arrive, so no gain over calling a private hire / Uber type of vehicle. It is often harder to do it the first time due to needing a time consuming download and registration process (there is rarely an easy quick trial for first journey). Then assuming someone has navigated the above, it is not as cheap as a bus, and the journey is unpredictable as might go via another pick up or drop off. So the advantage of a bus going relatively direct (if rather slowly) is also lost, unless you enjoy mystery tours. Operating hours are often limited, and there is a chance no vehicle is available when you book. Basically it is too heavily compromised, not that quick (if include waiting time), and not as cheap as normal service. If people want to pay a premium they expect a step up in quality, comfort and time saving (which doesn’t really happen with DRT). |
|
|
|
Post by wirewiper on Jul 2, 2022 14:39:42 GMT
Roger French, the former MD of Brighton & Hove buses, blogs frequently about his experiences with DRT and his opinions on their shortcomings. He says in a recent post that one of the drawbacks is that users forego the certainty of a known timetable and have to try their luck with app based bookings. The ones he admires most tend to be low-tech - typically a route that has a skeleton timetable for which people can just turn up at a known time, but which has a flexible route which can accommodate diversions which can be booked by phone - or even arranged with the driver. Such an example was recently blogged by Roger on his "Bus and Train User" site, the Compass Bus flexible route 99 linking Chichester and Petworth in Sussex. Roger notes that over time an established pattern of deviation requests has emerged - effectively the regular users are tailoring the route to meet their specific requirements. One of the regular drivers observes that the sort of clientele attracted to the 99 - typically older, and many with some level of disability - would not want to be bothered with an app and the service would cease to be successful. busandtrainuser.com/2022/06/30/a-demand-responsive-rural-bus-route-that-works/ |
|
|
|
Post by SILENCED on Jul 2, 2022 15:33:01 GMT
Roger French, the former MD of Brighton & Hove buses, blogs frequently about his experiences with DRT and his opinions on their shortcomings. He says in a recent post that one of the drawbacks is that users forego the certainty of a known timetable and have to try their luck with app based bookings. The ones he admires most tend to be low-tech - typically a route that has a skeleton timetable for which people can just turn up at a known time, but which has a flexible route which can accommodate diversions which can be booked by phone - or even arranged with the driver. Such an example was recently blogged by Roger on his "Bus and Train User" site, the Compass Bus flexible route 99 linking Chichester and Petworth in Sussex. Roger notes that over time an established pattern of deviation requests has emerged - effectively the regular users are tailoring the route to meet their specific requirements. One of the regular drivers observes that the sort of clientele attracted to the 99 - typically older, and many with some level of disability - would not want to be bothered with an app and the service would cease to be successful. busandtrainuser.com/2022/06/30/a-demand-responsive-rural-bus-route-that-works/Hmm, so if I am getting this correct , only serves those deviations if prebooked by phone? If it does not do the deviation presumably it sits around doing very little to ensure it stays on time. Might be OK for rural communities, but can not see it taking off in a major town ... very surprised to read his say it attracts custom. Dooes that really qualify as DRT, or only visit the villages if prebooked? I looked at the 415 Selby - York route. Very successful roupe along A19, that dips into villages. This sounds like it would only go to those villages if pre-booked in a similar scenario. Would seem a negative to me. I would also seriously question if a service offering 6 return journies a day is actually demand responsive. Also cant belive you need to book it to stop at an in-town supermarket, surely a source of good custom. What happens to stops that would be missed out by going on one of these requested deviations, or are they long double runs? Oh, and can't do all the deviations in one journey! It actually states that most journeys have set patterns, so not a lot of good requesting demand on the alternative leg, |
|
|
|
Post by busman on Jul 2, 2022 16:23:58 GMT
Roger French, the former MD of Brighton & Hove buses, blogs frequently about his experiences with DRT and his opinions on their shortcomings. He says in a recent post that one of the drawbacks is that users forego the certainty of a known timetable and have to try their luck with app based bookings. The ones he admires most tend to be low-tech - typically a route that has a skeleton timetable for which people can just turn up at a known time, but which has a flexible route which can accommodate diversions which can be booked by phone - or even arranged with the driver. Such an example was recently blogged by Roger on his "Bus and Train User" site, the Compass Bus flexible route 99 linking Chichester and Petworth in Sussex. Roger notes that over time an established pattern of deviation requests has emerged - effectively the regular users are tailoring the route to meet their specific requirements. One of the regular drivers observes that the sort of clientele attracted to the 99 - typically older, and many with some level of disability - would not want to be bothered with an app and the service would cease to be successful. busandtrainuser.com/2022/06/30/a-demand-responsive-rural-bus-route-that-works/This is how buses operate in parts of the Caribbean. Routes have a general corridor that they serve and key destinations, but think nothing of taking a short detour to drop off or pick someone up flagging them down off route. Works very well indeed. I agree with snowman, with DRT prices really this is more like Uber Pool than a bus. Might work in rural places that have no regular route or access to Uber. Basically they have no alternative other than driving or taxi. |
|
|
|
Post by Paul on Jul 2, 2022 21:02:50 GMT
There have been numerous attempts to make this work around the country, seemingly without luck. Why do we think this is? What could be done to make them more attractive to potential users? In theory sounds like a workable idea. Go Coach operate one that I see quite regularly in the Westerham area. I’m unsure as to how or where it operates but I tend to see it two or three times a day and bear in mind that I’m usually only down there four times a day. They must be doing something right with it |
|
|
|
Post by vjaska on Jul 2, 2022 21:59:54 GMT
Hmm, so if I am getting this correct , only serves those deviations if prebooked by phone? If it does not do the deviation presumably it sits around doing very little to ensure it stays on time. Might be OK for rural communities, but can not see it taking off in a major town ... very surprised to read his say it attracts custom. Why would you have DRT in a major town in the first place. It makes far more sense to implement in more rural areas anyway or places where a regular size bus might not be best suited to. |
|
