Conclusion, Limitations, and Next Steps

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

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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. Next Steps: • Launching aTaxis for the New Jersey population will require approval and coordination with the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

13. 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.

14. 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

15. 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.

16. Thank you for coming.