Changes in the expected distribution of transport demand. The system comprises a simulator and a scheduler. The methods used here allow for the overlaying of a wide variety of spatial, temporal and socio-economic patterns of travel demand. Travel requests are passed from the simulator to the scheduler. Even so, the attractiveness and long-term urban impacts of the car must be recognised.
Cars are highly convenient, with a relatively low marginal cost of use.
The patterns of urban land-use developed in Australia over the past 40 years are predicted on widespread reliance on cars, with travel patterns increasingly dispersed across urban areas. Consequently there has been a drift away from the locally intensive patterns of demand needed for efficient operation of conventional public transport modes such as buses and light rail. For efficient operation the new modes will require effective communications, scheduling and information systems. Prospective travellers must be able to communicate with the scheduler in order to make inquiries and bookings. Multiple-hire taxis differ from conventional taxis in that more than one group of passengers can travel together.