A THEORETICAL COMPARISON OF FIXED ROUTE BUS AND FLEXIBLE ROUTE SUBSCRIPTION BUS FEEDER SERVICE IN LOW DENSITY AREAS

parametric variation of demand density was used to compare service level and cost of two alternative systems for providing low density feeder service. Supply models for fixed route and flexible route service were developed and applied to determine ranges of relative efficiency. It was found that flexible route bus exhibited a lower sensitivity of cost to level of service provided than did fixed route bus. Flexible route bus can provide better service at the same or higher level of productivity at all demand levels below about 100 passengers per square mile per hour, except when minimal service only is to be provided.\n