Integrated trans-national electric demand-responsive transport: a Luxembourg case study

This study evaluates an electric integrated demand-responsive transport (EIDRT) service in a trans-national corridor connecting Luxembourg and Arlon, Belgium. EIDRT combines the flexibility of demand-responsive buses with fixed-route train services, allowing customers to select from five travelling options. Using empirical data from an existing DRT operator and Google Maps API, we compare EIDRT performance against three alternatives: conventional DRT, private cars, and public transit. Results show EIDRT achieves a 60.2% reduction in bus vehicle kilometers traveled compared to door-to-door DRT, primarily through train utilization. Customer travel times are comparable across services, but EIDRT demonstrates higher train utilization (989 of 1143 trips) and more consistent in-bus travel times. Regarding charging, EIDRT minimizes charging activities during operations, allowing more time to serve customers compared to conventional DRT. These findings demonstrate EIDRT's viability for serving cross-border commuters while reducing operational costs.