Will you still drive or are you ready to ride? Exploring readiness to use demand-responsive transport in the City of Vienna

Abstract

Demand-responsive transport (DRT) is recognized as a potential solution for mitigating car-dependent mobility in areas with underdeveloped public transport systems. However, whether DRT competes with or complements public transport remains unclear. This study investigates these dynamics using the stated preference method and random utility maximization theory, emphasizing the role of long-term mobility patterns, such as years of car driving, alongside specific attributes of DRT and car modes. The research incorporates stated preference (SP) scenarios reflecting diverse travel needs, including urgent versus flexible trips and requirements for transporting luggage, baby stroller, or small bags. Data was collected in Vienna, where DRT services are implemented, comprising 2934 SP choices from 326 respondents. The analysis involved two stages: discrete choice modeling was first used to assess random and systematic effects on decision-making via the Monte Carlo method. The second stage explored substitution effects, willingness-to-pay, and policy implications for DRT deployment. Findings indicate that only 9.35 % of participants perceive years of car driving as positively influencing their readiness to use DRT, while for 90.65 %, more driving experience negatively affects DRT utility. Parking fee increases were found to enhance the likelihood of choosing DRT over public transport or biking. Furthermore, substitution pattern analysis highlights a stronger sensitivity to travel time changes than to travel cost variations in first/last-mile travel contexts. These insights provide valuable guidance for the effective integration of DRT into urban mobility systems.