Ride-Parcel-Pooling: Insights to Integrated Passenger and Freight Transportation through a Customer Survey

Abstract

This paper deals with the idea of ride parcel pooling (RPP); an on-demand service, where passengers as well as parcels share – if possible - trips within the same vehicle. Potential users are surveyed to find criteria that are crucial for the success of an on-demand service. The survey looks at socio-demographic aspects and tries to assess the participants' attitudes towards ride pooling services. Subsequently, user preferences (e.g. waiting times and detours) for the operation of a future RPP service and possible service scenario parameters are assessed. Finally, we examine reasons for the pros and cons of ride pooling services and the participants' opinions on different types of vehicles.

Results show that the respondents of the survey were very positive about the idea of RPP and that they also deem the service scenarios presented to be beneficial. With respect to service parameters, the potential increase in travel time due to the integrated transport of parcels will be very critical in terms of customer satisfaction. Moreover, results show that financial compensation for inconvenience often changes the opinion of the respondents. In addition, respondents were asked about their preference regarding the potential vehicle. The possible choices included a rickshaw to evaluate its advantages and disadvantages. Finally, we asked participants about their attitudes towards ride pooling in general and RPP in particular, and had them list advantages and disadvantages of the systems compared to traditional transportation modes.