System and method for coordinating personal transportation

Abstract

Door-to-door transportation is provided in a nearly on-demand manner by employing a set of multipassenger vehicles, e.g., vans, whose routes are continuously updated. The position of each multipassenger vehicle, as well as the traffic conditions along the projected route of each multipassenger vehicle, are constantly monitored. Upon receiving a request for a ride, e.g., via telephone, which specifies a) the pick-up location, b) the destination and, optionally, c) a desired time of arrival thereat and d) the number of people, a suitable 'path' to the destination which satisfies the request is determined, if possible. A 'path' for a ride is a specification of the particular multipassenger vehicles, and the location and nature of any required transfers for a person's requested ride. A path may also include the streets over which the rider will pass and any scheduled stops. The path is developed as a function of (i) the pick-up location of all riders requesting rides, (ii) the destinations of the riders, (iii) the present position of each multipassenger vehicle, (iv) the presently scheduled routes of each multipassenger vehicle, and (v) the traffic conditions. Optionally, a rider's developed path may also be a function of his desired arrival time. The routes for each multipassenger vehicle affected by the developed path are accordingly updated.