Conclusion, Limitations, and Next Steps ORF467 Fall 2013-2014: Professor Alain L. Kornhauser Charlotte Muller and Saumya Swaroop.

Conclusion, Limitations, and Next Steps

ORF467 Fall 2013-2014: Professor Alain L. Kornhauser

Charlotte Muller and Saumya Swaroop

Conclusions aTaxis : No longer a thing of the future Viable, accessible, and economical option Environmentally friendly by promoting ride sharing.

Conclusions Based on the given parameters, the aTaxi system is certainly

better than the current cab and personal car system. aTaxis would provide relief from congestion across the 21

counties of New Jersey People will no longer have to endure unknown waits,

because every aTaxi has pre-known departure delay.

Conclusions Based on data analysis from PHL and NYC trains, this aTaxi

network can be integrated into the current system. Realizing last years analytical drawbacks, this years class

much improved the analysis of the data when considering train trips.

Limitations Though the analysis of New Jersey’s transportation has been

much improved, many limitations still persist. Future exploration could seek to overcome these limitations.

Limitations: aTaxi stand placement Currently, the aTaxi stands have been located centrally in

every pixel. Future analysis could determine whether different placement

could improve future ridesharing and increase AVO. An as example, placement could be determined based on

pixel population density or the density of attractions.

Limitations: demand modeling Realistically, though we can get close enough to draw viable

conclusions, it is not possible to perfectly model transportation demand of an entire state.

New businesses and development require constant updates and refinements of our network.

Limitations: Public Acceptance Studies have shown that the average American family owns

2.28 cars per household (2008, www.autospies.com) Even for short distances, driving is ingrained in the culture of

America. People may be hesitant to give up prior transportation habits.

Limitations: Aversion to Ride Sharing Often times, people desire to ride alone. Owning and driving your own car is seen as a sign of being

independent and wealthy. However, this may be overcome with the freedom to text and

the price reduction.

Limitations: Availability to Children?

Despite convenience and safety, people may be reluctant to let their children ride in an autonomous vehicle.

Putting a minimum age or parental accompaniment requirement may be required for integration into family based communities.

Over time, we believe that people will recognize the safety and convenience and not be concerned about their children in aTaxis.

Next Steps Launching aTaxis will require the preparation as well as

approval of a financial plan. We need to create a business plan that shows aTaxis are

viable commercially. The cost of putting this plan in action should not be higher

than the expected utility people will derive from using it.

Next Steps: Launching aTaxis for the New Jersey population will require

approval and coordination with the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

Next Steps: Data Compilation Currently we have data points organized County-wise in an

Excel file. However, from a technical standpoint we should look at

using better software capable of handling bulk of data.

Next Steps: Coordination with Schools and Offices Similar to the public school bus system, aTaxis can

coordinate with specific schools to pick up/drop students. Office buildings can adopt a similar system as well potentially

incentivizing employees who would save on transportation costs.

The implications of the above would be increased ridesharing

Next Steps: Nation Wide

aTaxis are better than traditional modes of transport on many levels.

As previously mentioned, after initiating it in New Jersey we should also look into doing a nation-wide expansion.

Thank you for coming.