In recent years, the integration of Demand-Responsive Transport (DRT) into smart city initiatives has been regarded as a promising strategy to address the financial challenges of public transportation. Based on policy document analysis and empirical data from municipal questionnaires and interviews, this study identifies four key areas requiring improvement: operations, technology, funding, and social acceptance with respect to the digital divide. Current issues include insufficient system standardization and interoperability, digital exclusion among vulnerable populations, a reliance on unsustainable subsidies, outdated technological infrastructure, and inadequate policy frameworks and public-private collaboration mechanisms. To advance DRT, efforts must focus on unifying operational standards, promoting the application of AI and MaaS technologies, establishing diversified and sustainable funding models, addressing the digital divide by integrating traditional and smart services, and formulating medium- and long-term policy strategies with clearly defined political responsibilities. This study provides policy and technical recommendations for local governments and transport operators, offering a foundation for the further development of DRT and its integration into smart city projects globally.