Comparative Performance Indicators of Paratransit Services in Developing Regions: Evaluating Load Factor, Headway, and Passenger Waiting Times

Berni Idji and Anton Kaharu

International Journal of Scientific Research in Science and Technology, 2026, vol. 13, issue 4, 62-67

Abstract: Paratransit networks in developing regions frequently operate without structured timetables, leading to highly variable service quality across different territorial corridors. This study presents a comparative performance evaluation of five intercity paratransit (AKDP) routes in Gorontalo Province, Indonesia, by benchmarking three critical operational indicators: Load Factor (LF), vehicle headway (H), and passenger waiting times (Wp). Field data were collected using synchronized roadside screenline tracking and on-board passenger logging across corridors with varying levels of urbanization. The empirical results reveal severe operational polarization: the high-density Kota–Isimu commuter corridor exhibits an over-saturated supply framework with an average headway of 8.5 minutes, a service frequency of 7.05 vehicles/hour, and a critically low asset utilization rate represented by a 28% average Load Factor. Conversely, peripheral corridors like Kota–Taludaa suffer from severe undersupply, exhibiting a prolonged average headway of 75.0 minutes, an unreliable service frequency of 0.80 vehicles/hour, and a low Load Factor of 14% due to long terminal delays that drive passengers to switch to other modes. Long-distance regional routes like Kota–Tilamuta achieve the most stable equilibrium, recording an average Load Factor of 61% with an average headway of 45.0 minutes. Cross-corridor analysis shows that without centralized regulation, individual operators default to predatory terminal holding or dangerous on-road pacing. This study concludes that a one-size-fits-all transit policy is ineffective for mixed-density networks. We propose a differentiated, corridor-specific policy framework to optimize regional vehicle allocations and stabilize passenger waiting structures.

Keywords: Comparative transport analysis; Paratransit indicators; Load factor; Headway volatility; Passenger waiting time; Gorontalo Province (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:etm:ijsrst:v13:y2026:i4:id:1724

DOI: 10.32628/IJSRST261346

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