Factors influencing the patronage of flexible transport in urban and rural areas. A case study in NSW, Australia

Since 1990, gradual changes have been observed in the implementation of flexible transport service (FTS) schemes. A growing body of evidence suggests FTS are highly supportive for specific groups, like people with disabilities and the socially disadvantaged. Although this is more evident in rural and regional areas where there may be no fixed public transport routes, some urban FTS schemes have proven effective. However, little empirical research has focused on exploring the factors influencing patronage of FTS in urban and rural areas. This study aims to understand the relationships between patronage and the user's characteristics in New South Wales, Australia, by associating spatial datasets and employing statistical modelling to compare the experience in urban and rural contexts. Results show that users' characteristics of flexible transport are contrastingly different in urban and rural areas; and that this method represents an effective tool to capture the economic and social benefits for FTS users. This study posits that tangible evidence is not enough to evaluate and assess FTS schemes and points out that a careful understanding of the FTS user's benefits is needed to assess the effectiveness of FTS. These findings contribute to a better understanding of flexible transport implementation and provide evidence for FTS scheme proponents and transport funders.