The Potential of Using Volunteered Locational Data in Planning for Smart Multi-Mobility Systems

Abstract

Development of smart mobility systems in recent literature has received great interest, as many cities thrive
 to become smarter. As mobility plays an integral part in shaping citizens' lived experiences, improvement of
 mobility modes would lead to better quality of life in the city. Also given the correlation with economic
 activities within the city, investment into smart mobility systems promises many capabilities for city
 planners. To achieve this aim, the paper proposes the examination of factors which determine demand and
 supply capability of public transport systems (namely the Gaubus, a form of Bus Rapid Transit in
 Johannesburg, South Africa). Using an empirical research design, and quantitative data in the form of
 questionnaires and spatial data we determined the factors which influence demand and supply. A set of
 indicators were consequently developed to score these factors. The results reveal that commuter mobility
 choice is dependent upon distance travelled to bus/train station and also availability of alternative connecting
 points to other forms of mobility. Hence to promote the use of public transportation in the city, there is a
 need to improve connectivity between the various modes of mobility.