Flexible-route integrated passenger–freight transport in rural areas

The concept of integrated passenger–freight transport has been developed mostly in urban areas and for long-haul trips. In this paper, its adoption is also proposed in rural areas, identifying some margin to develop the solutions adopted so far, which rely mainly on demand-responsive transport (DRT), and provide a reliable and efficient transit service. A methodological framework for developing and evaluating an innovative service called integrated demand-responsive transport (I-DRT) is presented, which combines the integrated passenger–freight scheme with the adoption of DRT. Thanks to the Osterwalder Business Model Canvas, the requirements in terms of infrastructure, vehicles, and personnel are presented, together with the implementation costs, revenues, and the partners to be involved. We recommend evaluating the performance of the service with selected financial, operational, environmental, and social key performance indicators (KPIs). To verify the practical suitability of I-DRT, its adoption in the Italian municipality of Misano Adriatico was proposed and evaluated using selected KPIs. The results of our analysis revealed a reduction in kilometres travelled, fuel consumption, and air pollutants, together with an increase in the area covered by the service, increase in daily potential deliveries (for freight transport), and increase in the occupancy rates of vehicles (for passengers). Assuming a 5-year implementation of the service, an overall reduction in costs is also registered. These results confirm the potential of IDRT; however, solving some issues related to legislation, policy, and stakeholder involvement may allow for more robust and long-lasting outcomes.