Future Directions for DRT Operation and Management
摘要
This concluding chapter explores the future development of Demand-Responsive Transit (DRT) operation and management, outlining key research questions and pathways to success. It investigates the balance between operational efficiency and passenger satisfaction, the evolution of dynamic and loyalty-based fare structures, and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in demand prediction, customer service, and proactive vehicle routing. The chapter also examines the disruptive concept of Autonomous Modular Buses (AMBs) for dynamic capacity management. Furthermore, it emphasizes the critical importance of integrating DRT within broader Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) ecosystems, developing explainable AI for trust, establishing standardized benchmarks, and implementing human-in-the-loop systems. The analysis concludes that through continuous innovation in these areas, DRT is poised to evolve from a niche service into a cornerstone of resilient, efficient, and sustainable urban mobility.