Introduction

Purpose
This chapter provides the context and highlights how the different chapters contribute to a greater understanding of how the flexible transport future may emerge. It synthesises the issues and highlights the debates which are central to the chapters.

Methodology/Approach
This chapter reviews the content of the book, drawing together the threads to provide insights as to the important issues and policies around the world both in practice and for the future.

Findings
This book has benefited significantly from the papers presented at the TRB-sponsored International Paratransit Conference, “Shaping the New Future of Paratransit”, held in Monterey, CA in the United States (US) in October 2014. Over and above this, chapters were commissioned especially so as to provide a broad understanding of context and operations and how these come together in the context specific case studies. The present is affected by the common problem of the silo nature of funding for transport and the need for innovative solutions to develop partnership working and business models which will allow paratransit or flexible transport systems (FTS) to flourish. This chapter also points to the considerable contribution of the chapters which look to the flexible transport future. These detail the way in which our understanding of mobility must change, the role of technology as an enabler and the way in which automation will change each mobility mode and the connections between them.

Originality/Value
This chapter offers a multi-dimensional perspective of the content of this book which examines the current status, operational aspects and a wealth of case study material to underpin policy and practice in paratransit or FTS. Its particular value is centred on providing not only practice-focussed policy content but research content which postulates how the flexible future may need to be influenced to emerge in a way to add to sustainability.