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2024 (English)Report (Other (popular science, discussion, etc.))
Abstract [en]
The transport sector is changing significantly as cities grow and technology reshapes travel preferences. Inadequate public transport and rising car ownership present growing challenges, particularly in rural and suburban areas. On-demand public transport offers a promising solution by integrating the latest technologies and user-centric design to deliver flexible, adaptable services that meet diverse and evolving user needs. However, trust and reliability, digital exclusion, car dependency, and limited service availability must be addressed to ensure inclusive, sustainable mobility systems.
This report focuses on X-linjen, an on-demand public transport service operational in Säffle since 2022, studied as part of a project led by KTH Royal Institute of Technology in collaboration with RISE, Nobina, and Värmlandstrafik. The project applies participatory design methods, informed by social practice theories, to engage both users and service providers. The goal is to identify user needs, develop inclusive solutions, and encourage sustainable travel habits, ultimately contributing to societal development. Key findings highlight the need for improvements to app usability, clearer communication about virtual bus stops, and optimized schedules to better serve seniors and other user groups. Integration with existing public transport networks and targeted outreach campaigns are essential for expanding adoption and building trust, particularly among non-users.
Insights from Scandinavian peers—Plustur in Denmark, Kutsuplus in Finland, and Ruter in Norway—offer valuable lessons on balancing innovation, cost-efficiency, and user-centered design. The report provides actionable recommendations to refine X-linjen’s service design, scale it to other regions, and address financial sustainability. By implementing these solutions and overcoming existing barriers, X-linjen can serve as a model for inclusive, flexible, and sustainable rural mobility, bridging critical gaps in access while fostering long-term societal and environmental benefits.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 2024. p. 36
Series
TRITA-ITM-RP ; 2024:5
Keywords
inclusive, on demand, public transport, rural
National Category
Transport Systems and Logistics
Research subject
Transport Science, Transport Systems
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-358295 (URN)
Funder
Vinnova, 2023-03060
Note
QC 20250204
2025-01-082025-01-082025-02-04Bibliographically approved