Intermediate public transport

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Intermediate public transport (IPT), also known as paratransit, encompasses a range of hired road vehicles that offer flexible passenger transportation services. Unlike traditional public transit, IPT does not operate on a fixed schedule and may vary in its adherence to set routes. [1]

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The concept of intermediate public transport exhibits considerable variation between developed and developing nations. In developed countries, it is typically a flexible, demand-responsive form of public transportation designed to provide point-to-point service. These systems are generally well-structured and organized. In developing countries, IPT often operates as an informal, cost-effective alternative to formal transportation modes. It tends to be unorganized and subject to minimal government regulation, serving as a prevalent form of spontaneous public transport that facilitates quick and convenient travel. [1]

The importance of IPT may extends beyond mobility, as it can also contribute to the economic well-being of those who operate these services. In some cases, drivers of vehicles such as tempos and autorickshaws can earn a substantial daily income, which supports their livelihoods. [2]

Defining IPT in Different Contexts

The concept of intermediate public transport exhibits considerable variation between developed and developing nations. In developed countries, it is typically a flexible, demand-responsive form of public transportation designed to provide point-to-point service. These systems are generally well-structured and organized. In developing countries, IPT often operates as an informal, cost-effective alternative to formal transportation modes. It tends to be unorganized and subject to minimal government regulation, serving as a prevalent form of spontaneous public transport that facilitates quick and convenient travel. [3]

Historical Context

The concept of intermediate public transport (IPT) has evolved over time, adapting to the changing needs of urban mobility in different parts of the world. In developing countries, IPT emerged organically as a response to inadequate formal public transportation systems. In India, for example, cycle rickshaws appeared in the 1940s, followed by auto-rickshaws in the 1950s. These modes filled the gap between walking and formal public transport, providing flexible and affordable mobility options for short to medium distances. In Africa and parts of Asia, informal minibus services known variously as matatus, dalla-dallas, or jeepneys have long served as a crucial form of public transport. These evolved from shared taxis and grew to become an integral part of urban mobility in many cities.The rise of digital technologies in the 21st century has led to new forms of IPT, such as app-based ride-hailing services. These platforms have blurred the lines between traditional taxis and paratransit, offering new levels of flexibility and convenience.Today, IPT continues to play a vital role in urban mobility worldwide, particularly in developing countries where it often serves as the primary mode of public transport for many residents.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Utility cycling</span> Bicycling as transportation

Utility cycling encompasses any cycling done simply as a means of transport rather than as a sport or leisure activity. It is the original and most common type of cycling in the world. Cycling mobility is one of the various types of private transport and a major part of individual mobility.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle for hire</span> Vehicle providing transport for a fee

A vehicle for hire is a vehicle providing private transport or shared transport for a fee, in which passengers are generally free to choose their points or approximate points of origin and destination, unlike public transport, and which they do not drive themselves, as in car rental and carsharing. They may be offered via a ridesharing company.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Auto rickshaw</span> Motorized version of the rickshaw

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paratransit</span> Transportation service for people with disabilities

Paratransit or intermediate public transport, is a type of transportation service that supplements fixed-route mass transit by providing individualized rides without fixed routes or timetables. Paratransit services may vary considerably on the degree of flexibility they provide their customers. At their simplest they may consist of a taxi or small bus that will run along a more or less defined route and then stop to pick up or discharge passengers on request. At the other end of the spectrum—fully demand-responsive transport—the most flexible paratransit systems offer on-demand call-up door-to-door service from any origin to any destination in a service area. In addition to public transit agencies, paratransit services may be operated by community groups or not-for-profit organizations, and for-profit private companies or operators.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Microtransit</span> Form of demand-responsive transport with no fixed routes or schedules

Microtransit is a form of bus demand responsive transport vehicle for hire. This transit service offers a highly flexible routing and/or highly flexible scheduling of minibus vehicles shared with other passengers. Microtransit providers build routes ad-hoc exclusively to match only each demand (trip) and supply and to extend the efficiency and accessibility of the transit service. Possible pick-up/drop-off stops are restricted, and transit can be provided as a stop-to-stop service or a curb-to-curb service.

The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to public transport:

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References

  1. 1 2 Jaiswal, Aishwarya; Manoj, M.; Tiwari, Geetam (2022-12-01). "A review of studies on service quality of intermediate public transport". IATSS Research. 46 (4): 537–546. doi: 10.1016/j.iatssr.2022.09.002 . ISSN   0386-1112.
  2. ↑ Mall, Udit Narayan; Chauhan, Samradh Singh; Ghosh, Nilanshu; Jain, Himani (April 2023). How Does Intermediate Public Transport (IPT) System Operate in Lucknow? (Report). New Delhi: Council on Energy, Environment and Water.
  3. ↑ Lave, Roy E.; Mathias, Rosemary G. (2009). "Paratransit Systems" (PDF). Transportation Engineering and Planning. I.


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