What is Demand-Responsive Transport?
Animated graphic of the DRT system working out the best route for people’s journeys
Demand-Responsive Transport (DRT), is a transportation service model that adapts to the specific needs and demands of passengers. Unlike traditional fixed-route buses and trains, DRT operates dynamically, responding to individual requests and optimising routes in real-time. Here's how it works:
Someone requests a ride through the app, whenever they need to go somewhere (no timetables, missed buses or waiting at bus stops!)
The person then goes to a nearby virtual bus stop, for the time stated.
The person is picked up, then dropped off at, or very near, his/her desired destination.
Other people are also picked up and dropped off - the DRT system uses sophisticated algorithms to determine the most efficient route for each trip.
This means that vehicles may take different paths to reach their destinations, making the entire system more efficient. Read our article ‘The Benefits of Demand-Responsive Transport’ to find out the other benefits DRT brings.