TELEMATICS SYSTEMS FOR DEMAND RESPONSIVE TRANSPORT SERVICES: THE FLEMISH EXPERIENCE IN A SAMPO FRAMEWORK

This paper intends to highlight the key elements in the development of telematics systems to support the organisation of Demand Responsive Transport Systems (DRTS). The actual findings of the SAMPO project - the current DG XIII project dealing with systems for Advanced Management of Public Transport focusing on DRTS - are used to give a comprehensive view of possible DRTS operational concepts and functional architectures of systems to support DRTS. Both aspects are illustrated with the Flemish experience on DRTS. On one hand the findings of recent demonstrations of new service concept in Belgium, integrating Demand Responsive Transport Services on a large scale into the regular PT services via the RING software, are presented. The operational aspects of the organisation of DRTS are discussed on the level of the customer and the operator. On the other hand the design of an integrated set of ATT systems consisting of different software modules and hardware blocks is described showing the importance of a supporting system for DRTS which is fully integrated with other existing systems in the public transport company. For the covering abstract, see IRRD 490001.