Identifying the Determinants of Light Rail Mode Choice for Medium- and Long-Distance Trips

Abstract

The introduction of new public transport systems can influence society in a multitude of ways ranging from modal choices and the environment to economic growth. This paper examines the determinants of light rail mode choice for medium- and long-distance trips (10 to 40 km) for a new light rail system in Flanders, Belgium. To investigate these choices, the effects of various transport system–specific factors (i.e., travel cost, in-vehicle travel time, transit punctuality, waiting time, access and egress time, transfers, and availability of seats) as well as the travelers' personal traits were analyzed by using an alternating logistic regression model, which explicitly takes into account the correlated responses for binary data. The data used for the analysis stem from a stated preference survey conducted in Flanders. The modeling results are in line with literature: most transport system–specific factors as well as socioeconomic variables, attitudinal factors, perceptions, and the frequency of using public transport contribute significantly to the preference for light rail transit. In particular, the results indicate that the use of light rail is strongly influenced by travel cost and in-vehicle travel time and to a lesser extent by waiting and access–egress time. Seat availability appeared to play a more important role than did transfers in deciding to choose light rail transit. The findings of this paper can be used by policy makers as a frame of reference to make light rail transit more successful.

Knowledge of the concept Light Rail Transit: Exploring its relevance and identification of the determinants of various knowledge levels

“…Focusing explicitly on LRT, Creemers et al (2012) identified age, sex and number of cars in the household as relevant factors. In addition, Mackett and BabalikSutcliffe (2003) found that high car ownership and high incomes reduce Light Rail ridership.…”

“…With regard to journey characteristics, various (mode-specific) travel time components contribute in explaining mode choice, including waiting time, park search time, congestion delay time, transfer time, in vehicle travel time and access and egress time (Arentze, 2013;Arentze and Molin, 2013;Creemers et al, 2012;Dell'Ollio et al, 2012;Diana, 2010). In addition, various cost components contribute to the mode preference as well: ticket costs, fuel costs, parking costs and costs for Park & Ride were all found to significantly influence modal choice (Arentze, 2013;Arentze and Molin, 2013;Creemers et al, 2012).…”

“…In addition, various cost components contribute to the mode preference as well: ticket costs, fuel costs, parking costs and costs for Park & Ride were all found to significantly influence modal choice (Arentze, 2013;Arentze and Molin, 2013;Creemers et al, 2012). Furthermore, various service-quality attributes contribute significantly to the mode choice decision process, including seat availability, the necessity of making transfers and punctuality of transit systems (Arentze and Molin, 2013;Creemers et al, 2012;Outwater et al, 2011).…”

“…Creemers et al, 2012;Diana, 2010;Elias and Shiftan, 2012;Heinen et al, 2011), subjective factors are more difficult to quantify and are therefore less often included in mode choice analysis. The role of subjective factors on mode choice decisions is even more important in the context of the introduction of a new transport mode on the transport market.…”

“…It is noteworthy to mention that trip distance remained constant across the hypothetical situations. A detailed discussion of the results of this experiment is provided by Creemers et al (2012).…”