On-demand feeder bus services present an innovative solution to urban
mobility challenges, yet their success depends on thorough assessment and
strategic planning. Despite their potential, a comprehensive framework for
evaluating feasibility and identifying suitable service areas remains
underdeveloped. Simulation Framework for Feeder Location Evaluation (SimFLEX)
uses spatial, demographic, and transport-specific data to run microsimulations
and compute key performance indicators (KPIs), including service
attractiveness, waiting time reduction, and added value. SimFLEX employs
multiple replications to estimate demand and mode choices and integrates
OpenTripPlanner (OTP) for public transport routing and ExMAS for calculating
shared trip attributes and KPIs. For each demand scenario, we model the
traveler learning process using the method of successive averages (MSA),
stabilizing the system. After stabilization, we calculate KPIs for comparative
and sensitivity analyzes. We applied SimFLEX to compare two remote urban areas
in Krakow, Poland – Bronowice and Skotniki – the candidates for service launch.
Our analysis revealed notable differences between analyzed areas: Skotniki
exhibited higher service attractiveness (up to 30%) and added value (up to 7%),
while Bronowice showed greater potential for reducing waiting times (by nearly
77%). To assess the reliability of our model output, we conducted a sensitivity
analysis across a range of alternative-specific constants (ASC). The results
consistently confirmed Skotniki as the superior candidate for service
implementation. SimFLEX can be instrumental for policymakers to estimate new
service performance in the considered area, publicly available and applicable
to various use cases. It can integrate alternative models and approaches,
making it a versatile tool for policymakers and urban planners to enhance urban
mobility.

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