An examination of the current methods of assessing fees for delivery of demand response transportation services in South Carolina

This study examined the current method of assessing fees for delivery of demand response transportation services in South Carolina. A questionnaire was developed to ascertain cost factors that impact demand response transportation services in South Carolina. The questionnaire was administered to the 18 general public transportation providers funded by the South Carolina Department of Transportation.; Of the 18 questionnaires mailed, approximately 72 percent were returned with only 56 percent complete and adequate for use in data analysis. A Likert scale was used to analyze responses in the three sections of the questionnaire.; Approximately 67 percent of transportation professionals responding to the survey use a “standard rate” in the delivery of demand response transportation services and 60 percent use a cost allocation plan to equitably distribute the standard rate. Vehicle Miles and Administrative Costs were ranked first and second, respectively, among factors used to formulate costs. Vehicle Miles and Vehicle Hours were ranked highest, among the cost factors, as having the greatest impact on the differences in urban and rural cost allocation formulas. General public transportation providers frequently use In-house Surveys, Questionnaires, Public Forums, and Focus Groups to determine the most efficient and economical routing schedules. The transit transportation professionals cited a need to improve the usage of these survey instruments.; The results of this investigation suggested a systematic and consistent process in the delivery of demand response transportation services in South Carolina. The allocation formulas seem reasonably well designed to deliver public transportation services to urban and rural communities in an economically efficient and effective manner. Among items measuring common practices and unmet needs, respondents tended to speak in one voice with a sound approach. Additionally, transportation professionals' responses revealed the usage of a consistent method of assessing fees for public transportation services in South Carolina. Several alternatives are presented for further research that may benefit decision-makers involved in the funding of public transportation systems.