Pilot action
Demand-Responsive Transport for Enhancing Mobility and Public Transport Integration in Underserved Coastal Areas of Quartu Sant'Elena and Quartucciu
This pilot action (PA) aims to test the feasibility of a Demand-Responsive Transport (DRT) system to enhance the connectivity of underserved coastal areas of Cagliari (specifically in Quartu Sant'Elena and Quartucciu) with the existing public transport network. The focus will be on developing flexible shuttle services to supplement traditional fixed-route services in regions where conventional public transport options are not economically viable. A key feature of this pilot is the deployment of on-demand electric shuttles that will connect these areas to existing PT routes, such as PF and 1Q.
Flexible shuttle routes will be determined based on pre-scheduled demand, designed to follow existing paved and signposted roads, ensuring accessibility to neighbourhoods currently without adequate fixed-line services. The pilot will test the operational feasibility of the DRT system for a period of 4 consecutive months, assessing the shuttle service’s efficiency in terms of coverage, response time and service quality.
A call center-based booking system will be central to the DRT service, utilising PP15's CRM infrastructure. Customers will book the service the day before their trip by calling a toll-free number. These bookings will be processed to prepare service schedules for each shuttle vehicle the next day. Passenger boarding will take place at designated pickup points, and the shuttles will connect to transfer stops, enabling passengers to switch to the existing public transport lines.
The PA will evaluate key aspects, including operational efficiency, user satisfaction, and scalability; assessing vehicle routing, capacity management, and the impact on the public transport network. It will also examine user benefits, such as time savings, increased mobility, and improved accessibility for vulnerable groups (e.g., the elderly, people with disabilities). The success will inform scaling the service to other areas and integrating it into the regional public transport policy.
Flexible shuttle routes will be determined based on pre-scheduled demand, designed to follow existing paved and signposted roads, ensuring accessibility to neighbourhoods currently without adequate fixed-line services. The pilot will test the operational feasibility of the DRT system for a period of 4 consecutive months, assessing the shuttle service’s efficiency in terms of coverage, response time and service quality.
A call center-based booking system will be central to the DRT service, utilising PP15's CRM infrastructure. Customers will book the service the day before their trip by calling a toll-free number. These bookings will be processed to prepare service schedules for each shuttle vehicle the next day. Passenger boarding will take place at designated pickup points, and the shuttles will connect to transfer stops, enabling passengers to switch to the existing public transport lines.
The PA will evaluate key aspects, including operational efficiency, user satisfaction, and scalability; assessing vehicle routing, capacity management, and the impact on the public transport network. It will also examine user benefits, such as time savings, increased mobility, and improved accessibility for vulnerable groups (e.g., the elderly, people with disabilities). The success will inform scaling the service to other areas and integrating it into the regional public transport policy.
Addressed policy instruments
Strategic Territorial Plan of the Metropolitan City of CagliariPartners
TTS Italy
Italy
Lazio
Metropolitan City of Cagliari
Italy
Sardegna