A Logit Approach to Study the Attractiveness of DRT Stops Location: The Case Study of Ragusa, Italy

Abstract

Demand-Responsive Transport (DRT) services ensure the implementation of more sustainable transport solutions and focuses on the creation of more flexible and personalised public transport systems. They help to reduce the use of cars, improve service efficiency, and reduce the environmental impact. The attractiveness of DRTs depends on the type of activities served (e.g., schools, hospitals, modal interchange hubs). The attractiveness of a specific stop depends not only on its location but also on proximity to essential services (such as schools). The aim of this study is to identify which categories of activities most influence users’ choice of stops. A conditional logit model is developed to analyse drop-off stop selection, based on the location and configuration of key stops and major attraction points in the monitored case study in Ragusa, Sicily (southern Italy). Accessibility to different attraction points from stops is considered as the main independent variable. The results show that proximity to sports facilities and schools strongly influence users’ choice of stops, along with nearby modal interchange stations and shopping-related activities. Conversely, stops near health centres tended to be less attractive in the study area. Furthermore, sports facilities exert the strongest attraction, while travel patterns to health services deviate from existing literature, likely reflecting the limited availability of complementary transport options.