Economic Perspectives on Automated Demand Responsive Transportation and Shared Taxi Services - Analytical models and simulations for policy analysis

The automated demand responsive transportation (DRT) and modern shared taxi services provide shared trips for passengers, adapting dynamically to trip requests by routing a fleet of vehicles operating without any fixed routes or schedules. Compared with traditional public transportation, these new services provide trips without transfers and free passengers from the necessity of using timetables and maps of route networks. Furthermore, automated DRT applies real-time traffic information in vehicle routing and in formulating trip offers with travel time promises, which enables differentiated pricing based on travel times and thereby tailored service provision for personal passenger needs. This work considers the potential economic impacts of automated DRT and shared taxi services on urban transportation, and explores the effects of various transport policies on these new transport services as an integral part of urban transportation system. Analytical models are presented to define welfare optimal policies for these services, which have different trip production cost structures and external costs compared to conventional bus and taxi services. Moreover, simulation models are developed to analyse cost-effectiveness and regulation policies. Furthermore, alternative pricing models for these services are analysed from the viewpoint of transport companies, passengers and transport policy. The publications presented in this dissertation provide theoretical foundations, models and insights based on empirical data for further policy analyses and empirical research on automated DRT and shared taxi markets. These markets are evolving due to the advances in intellingent transportation technologies adopted by innovative and even revolutionary companies, and due to the increasing political pressures for sustainable transportation.