Evolution of Paratransit System and Its Implementations in Turkey

In Turkey, the concept of Dolmü-Minibus system corresponds to paratransit mode of transportation. In this concept, there can be seen different vehicle types and stakeholders, different organizations and operations, most of which has a similar background and state of affairs. For the time being, the evolution of dolmü-minibus system and the vehicles used for this concept is mostly depended on and nourished from the social events, economical situations, political decisions and the changes of city structure in the country rather than industrial design and technological developments. However, there are numerous technological improvements especially on information and communication area, which can affect the next generation of paratransit system. In addition industrially designed paratransit system vehicles can be more human centered and may have rather aesthetic values in the very near future. This research study essentially focuses to review the evolution of paratransit system and its implementations in Turkey with particular reference to vehicles and therefore find out the potential design and technology impact on ameliorating the paratransit vehicles and system.