Citation

Smith RL. Transp. Res. Rec. 1979; 718: 39-42.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1979, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential for continuing, and even expanding, volunteer driver systems in rural areas. Case studies of volunteer driver systems in two Wisconsin counties are used to test the hypothesis that volunteer driver systems can be cost-effective, feasible means of providing high-quality, specialized transportation service in rural areas. In addition, the role of volunteer drivers systems in relation to paid driver systems that use vans or buses is examined in terms of an optimum mix of service types. Finally, the implementations of the rural public transportation operating assistance program (Section 18 of the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1978) are examined. The two case studies show that volunteer driver systems can provide high-quality, cost-effective transportation for the elderly in rural areas. Volunteer driver systems can provide lower costs per trip than all but the most productive van systems. Only a high-cost, taxi-like van system can approach the high-quality, door-through-door service of the volunteer driver system. Even then the volunteer system provides superior service because of the potential for personal assistance to passengers at their destination.