Abstract

Conventional public transport systems in developing countries such as the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), are commonly substandard, unreliable, and often have insufficient accessibility and connectivity. In many cases, paratransit, utilizing various passenger vehicles (such as trucks, TukTuks, and motorcycles), compensate for the deficiencies of conventional public transport, offering a valuable alternative for passengers. For developing nations, enhancing conventional public transport or introducing new modes requires considerable time and investment, resources that may be limited. As an alternative, this study investigates the feasibility of transforming paratransit services into Demand Responsive Transit (DRT), aiming to formalize and integrate them with existing public transport, thereby improving connectivity, accessibility, and increasing the public transport mode share. To assess the potential acceptance, future demand, and mode share of DRT in Vientiane, Lao PDR, we conducted an opinion and stated preference survey, employed a multinomial logit choice model, and used an origin-to-destination network assignment model. The findings suggest that respondents are keen on using DRT in conjunction with Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in the future. The modeled results indicate a significant potential increase in the public transit mode share.