Optimization of the transport and logistics system to simplify movement of population in rural areas

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to examine existing data for the selection of survey areas, data collection for the mobile network at the level of travel chains, and analysis of travel patterns. Travel demand in three rural areas with different population densities is considered, and requirements for new mobility solutions based on demand and people's travel habits are established.

Public transport plays a decisive role in the logistics of territorial communities of Ukraine. However, inadequate provision and implementation of technological advances have left rural areas behind and heavily dependent on private cars. This article describes how to improve the availability of transport services in rural areas, where the demand for travel is often underestimated. The demand for travel in three rural areas with different population densities was analyzed, and the requirements for new mobility solutions based on demand and people's travel habits were determined.

There is a need to access a higher level of subsidies if on-demand mobility services cannot attract an adequate level of demand so that rural and semi-rural communities have access to the same level of services and opportunities available to urban areas. Most of these services are deployed in urban settings with high travel demand and population density. Research on regions with low demand is rarely considered.

Many on-demand services are community-based, where demand is determined based on local knowledge and specific needs. Those mobility services that are more commercially oriented use qualitative market research to determine demand for specific population segments and specific locations.

Social isolation is exacerbated by lack of accessibility, roads and public transport, but is also linked to socio-demographic factors.

It is suggested that consideration be given to removing barriers to commercially viable new mobility services in rural areas by: using data-driven approaches to understand typical daily travel patterns; identifying new mobility services that can be deployed for commercial purposes and those that will require ongoing financial support to provide socially necessary services.