How Flexible Stops Are Redefining Accessibility
One of the defining features of Demand-Responsive Transport (DRT) is the concept of Flexible Stops. Pick-up and drop-off points that don’t require physical infrastructure. These dynamic, map-based locations allow operators to bring transit access closer to users, without the cost and rigidity of building permanent bus stops.
But beyond flexibility, those stops are rapidly becoming a tool for equity and precision planning. They are transforming the way accessibility is defined and delivered across geographies.
Bringing Service to the Doorstep
Traditional transport often leaves out those living just beyond the 400m “acceptable” walking radius. With flexible stops, Shotl enables transit to be available within a few minutes’ walk of almost any residence or facility.
Whether serving low-density suburban neighborhoods, industrial estates, or steep hilltop streets, flexible stops allow the system to adapt to real-world needs—not the other way around.
Configuring with Intelligence
Flexible bus stops are not random GPS points. They are configured according to multiple criteria:
- Walkability and pedestrian safety
- Vehicle turning and access constraints
- Demand clusters (based on historical data)
- Road permissions for public vehicles
Shotl's platform supports the import of custom maps and routing logic, allowing for stops to be placed only on permitted roads, avoiding narrow alleys or private zones.
Dynamic Stop Management
Unlike fixed infrastructure, those stops can be edited or moved at any time. This allows cities to:
- Refine service in response to feedback
- Add stops near new developments or temporary venues
- Deactivate stops in low-usage areas to improve efficiency
This flexibility creates a living transit system that evolves with the city itself.
The Data Advantage
Every stop becomes a data point. Over time, operators can analyze which stops generate the most requests, which are consistently underused, and how stop usage varies by time of day or user group. This insight supports more effective planning and budgeting.
Flexible stops are more than a technical convenience—they are a new language for urban accessibility. By placing service where people are, not just where it’s been before, they help make transport more inclusive, efficient, and user-centric.
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