ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the challenges associated with the paratransit scheduling problem, and surveys the current state of the science in terms of technologies and tools for solving them. It describes the types of technology available and the range of ways that people can support the planning and re-planning process. With the advent of automated scheduling tools, Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking systems, and mobile connected devices, there has been a significant move to increase efficiency in managing paratransit fleets through better scheduling and improved real-time situation awareness. Technology support for managing and executing a schedule, at the most basic level, implies an ability to monitor progress, and to this end paratransit service providers have increasingly introduced tracking systems into their operations in recent years. Instead, the dispatcher will typically make a real-time decision as to which vehicle to divert based on the current location and expected route of each of the vehicles.
