A Unique Metro Choice Behaviour of Suburban Rail Passengers in India

Abstract

This study aims to analyse the inter-rail modal shift behaviour of suburban rail passengers to examine ridership for the proposed metro extension corridor in Chennai, India. This investigation was conducted in 2019 as part of a feasibility study for the extension of the metro line spanning between Chennai Airport and Kilambakkam, a southern suburb of Chennai. The same origin–destination pair is also served by the suburban rail system. It is an extension of the operating line from Washermenpet to the airport of the Phase I metro project. For this inter-rail competition study, a sample of 272 suburban rail passengers covering work, education and other trip purposes were interviewed using a stated preference questionnaire. Six stated scenarios were considered for analyses which included travel time saving by using the metro along with the fare difference between metro and bus. The study revealed that suburban rail passengers were less concerned about travel time saving and gave priority to fare difference irrespective of trip purpose. This shows the unique metro choice behaviour of suburban rail travellers in the Indian context.

Integrated Optimization of Train Diagrams and Rolling Stock Circulation with Full-Length and Short-Turn Routes of Virtual Coupling Trains in Urban Rail Transit

“…This paper presents an operational strategy for optimizing both full-length and shortturn routes using virtual coupling technology. We have developed an integrated optimization model that minimizes passenger travel time and operational costs, taking into account the variability in passenger flow [37][38][39][40]. This model includes constraints related to station services, train operations, virtual coupling, rolling stock circulation, and passenger ride selection.…”

Theory of Planned Behavior to Understand Commuter’s Perception towards Mass Rapid Transit in Dhaka City, Bangladesh

“…The findings showed that fare difference, age, and wealth have a significant impact on shift behavior. Selvakumar et al [11] investigated the ridership of the proposed metro extension corridor in Chennai, India, by analyzing the inter-rail modal shift behavior of suburban train passengers. Using a stated preference questionnaire, a sample of 272 suburban rail customers traveling for employment, school, and other purposes was questioned for this inter-rail competition study.…”

“…Several studies were conducted on the modal shift in behavior in response to the new MRT [1,[8][9][10][11][12]. This study, for the first time, applies behavioral theories to explore the factors affecting commuters' choice towards the MRT over the existing mode of transport.…”