Abstract
This paper explores the potential of a novel niche mobility solution, a demand-responsive transport (DRT) service, to address challenges associated with a transition away from car-based transport. The DRT service, piloted in Norway, uses a digital platform for booking and payment, and is designed to transport children to and from leisure activities. Based on interviews and workshops with service providers, transport companies, and different users of the service, the study provides insights into experiences and potentials of the service to outperform car-based transport. Both opportunities and barriers of implementing such a shared mobility services within the current transport system are discussed. The results highlight the need for experimentation beyond technology testing; particularly the need for transformative governance and experimenting with public policy design in order for this type of shared mobility concept to become part of future sustainable transport systems. Based on our findings, we argue that shared mobility solutions could serve multiple societal goals beyond transport, for example social inclusion, that could form the basis for support from other policy domains. Thus, cross-sectoral alignment of policies should be addressed to ensure the long-term viability and success of these services