Demand Response

Personal transit service operated on roadways to provide service on demand. Vehicles are normally dispatched and used exclusively for this service. (FTA2)

Passenger cars, vans or Class C motor buses operating in response to calls from passengers or their agents to the transit operator, who then dispatches a vehicle to pick the passengers up and transport them to their destinations. A demand response operation is characterized by the following: 1) the vehicles do not operate over a fixed route or on a fixed schedule except, perhaps, on a temporary basis to satisfy a special need; and 2) typically, the vehicle may be dispatched to pick up several passengers at different pick-up points before taking them to their respective destinations and may even be interrupted en route to these destinations to pick up other passengers. (FTA1)

Non-fixed-route service utilizing vans or buses with passengers boarding and alighting at pre-arranged times at any location within the system's service area. Also called "Dial-a-Ride." (APTA1)