Developing Seamless Connections in the Urban Transit Network: A Look toward High-Speed Rail Interconnectivity

Abstract

The objective of this study was to quantify multimodal connectivity of high speed rail (HSR) stations and its impact on ridership in four countries where HSR has been established. Data were collected from HSR systems of France, Spain, Japan and China. Various characteristics of the connecting modes were observed and compared. The relationship between ridership and the characteristics of multimodal connectivity was identified using regression models developed in this study. Multimodal connectivity at HSR stations in various countries presents a variety of profiles. For example, HSR stations in China connect with more bus lines than those in other countries, there are more bus stops/terminals provided in France, and transfer times in Japan and China are significantly longer than those in France and Spain. The connectivity variables influence ridership in various ways. On the whole, bus, subway, and regional railroad service influence ridership significantly. For instance, the more bus services connected to the station, the higher the ridership. Subway, light rail, and traditional rail are modes of high-capacity transportation and their connection to HSR stations always implies high ridership for high-speed rail. Also, the more bus and subway stops, and the more bicycle parking and taxi stands, the higher the ridership. Transfer time also has a significant influence. These findings have important implications for the proposed California and Nevada HSR stations. The unique needs of visitors to Las Vegas and their implications for HSR design also are discussed.