The network-inspired transportation system: A hierarchical approach to integrated transit

This paper defines an integrated transportation framework known as the network inspired transportation system (NITS). The NITS uses demand-responsive transit that leverages static bus and rail services, to optimally route passengers though a complex transportation network in the same manner that a data packet is routed through a telecommunications network. This paper provides a background of demand-responsive transit, introduces and defines the NITS, and provides analysis and simulations results that support the utilization of the NITS in low and medium density urban areas.