Conclusion, Limitations, and Next Steps ORF467 Fall : 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,  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.