Intercity Passenger Research Articles

Modelling an Integrated Human Performance Model of the Train Driver

The purpose of this paper is to address the development an integrated performance model of train drivers. A human performance measure was developed by integrating several significant factors of the train driver. The evaluation was conducted on train drivers of a major train operating company (TOC) in Malaysia, focusing only on drivers of intercity passenger trains and freight trains. 229 respondents had participated in the quantitative paper-and-pencil survey conducted, and the data obtained was subsequently analysed using SPSS software and was then tested using structural equation modelling (SEM)-PLS approach in the SmartPLS software to determine the relationship among the significant factors of train driver performance. Fourteen factors were hypothesized and tested under the three main domains, namely human domain; activity domain; and lastly, the context domain. The results indicated that fatigue, job related tension (internal conflict) and occupational stress; under human domain were found to be the significant factors which influence the performance of train drivers. For the activity domain, hypothesis testing proved that driving task, was significant factor. In the context domain; three factors were found to be significant. These include safety culture, working environment and working condition. To summarize, the study identified a total of seven significant factors which include occupational stress, job related tension - internal conflict, fatigue, driving task, work environment, safety culture and working condition. However, the results have failed to support the remaining seven factors of job related tension (external conflict), job satisfactions, sleep, job demand, work facilities, and safety issue.

The Life and Death of North American Rail Freight Electrification

Although completely dieselized today aside from certain commuter and intercity passenger routes, U.S. railroads were world leaders in electrification in the early 20th century. The Pennsylvania Railroad and the Milwaukee Road had the most extensive electrifications, but several other railroads electrified largely for freight service. This paper explores the decisions to electrify freight railroads in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico (largely for short tunnels where steam locomotives were not practicable, mountain grades, and busy traffic districts), and why electrifications were discontinued (underpowered installations, aging electric infrastructure, and changes in ownership that made electrification geographically obsolete). Energy shortfalls and price spikes since the 1970s have provoked interest in electrification from freight railroads, but this interest has subsided whenever fuel prices decline. Although it is possible that environmental considerations may lead to electrification in some contexts, as long as fossil fuel prices remain low, electrification is unlikely to play a major role on North American railroads.

Effect of transport transfer quality on intercity passenger mode choice

Intercity transport is the forgotten step child of transportation behavioural research; so many important questions, such as how important are the various attributes of transfer quality in a traveller’s journey, are not often examined. Intermodal and multimodal passenger transport, unlike intermodal freight transport, carry the unique combination of a requirement to transfer between vehicles, in addition to cargo (passengers) with the ability to choose other modes based on a wide variety of factors including difficulty of transfer, availability of automatic baggage transfer and comfort. Our research aims to shed light on the relative importance and interrelations of these transfer attributes by analysing the limited range of European studies that value transfer quality attributes and compare and contrast them with each other. To support this, we collect our own study data which are used to evaluate questions that arose out of the analysis. The few studies that value European intercity transfers vary widely in their valuations, and so taking into context the countries, methodologies, samples, question framing and other metrics specific to each study, we establish links between the valuations and other data not explicitly discussed in those studies to the end of presenting a framework for understanding passenger valuation of intercity transfers. We also suggest some driving factors that may affect one or more of the transfer quality attributes that have not been discussed in the literature, such as perceived trip difficulty and traveller expectations.This work illustrates and investigates the various elements that may affect how passengers perceive the connections required for travel across transport networks and how they make choices based on those perceptions.

Assessing the impacts of state-supported rail services on local population and employment: A California case study

The State of California has been financially supporting Amtrak intercity passenger rail services since 1976. This paper studies the impacts of this support on local population and employment at both county and city levels. We use datasets which include geographic, transportation, and socioeconomic characteristics of California counties and cities from 1950 to 2010. Propensity score, one-to-one matching models are employed to draw units from the control group, which are counties/cities that do not have a state-supported Amtrak station, to match with units from the treatment group, which are counties/cities that do. Using regression analysis, we find that state-support Amtrak stations have significant effect on local population in the long term, and the effect increases with time. However, the effect on civilian employment is almost non-existent. This suggests that state-supported Amtrak services can provide quality rail mobility and accessibility, which attract people to live in a rail-accessible region. However, the economic influence seems limited.

Rail-induced Traffic in China

The rapid development of China’s railway has exerted an enormous influence on the intercity passenger transport structure in recent years. However, it has not satisfied the passengers’ travel demand due to induced traffic. This paper is committed to solving such issue, with the aim of satisfying the current travel demand, and of anticipating the demand of the predicted traffic growth over the next 20 to 30 years. The paper has considered the increase in rail passenger kilometres caused by the growth of rail kilometres as rail-induced traffic. Based on the concept and former research of induced traffic, the panel data of 26 provinces and 3 municipalities of China between the year 2000 and 2014 were collected, and the elasticity models (including elasticity-based model, distributed lag model, high-speed rail (HSR) elasticity model and rail efficiency model) have been constructed. The results show the importance of model formation incorporation of rail-induced traffic. It is better to get the correct value in divided zones with different train frequencies or incorporation rail efficiency in cities or provinces. The lag time and rail types also need to be considered. In summary, the results analysis not only confirms the existence of rail-induced traffic, but also provides substantial recommendations to train operation planning.

Globalization, Long-Haul Flights and Inter-City Connections

In this paper, we examine the impact of non-stop flights on the connectivity of European cities with distant locations from the rest of the world. We use data on inter-city passenger flows including non-stop and connecting traffic so that we have a precise measure of the economic and social links between cities. We apply a matching procedure and run regressions using instrumental variables to deal with the potential endogeneity bias of the variables for non-stop flights. We find a strong causal relationship between the amount of total traffic and the supply of non-stop long-haul flights in the considered inter-city markets. Traffic increases from the shift from ‘not having’ to ‘having’ non-stop flights can be more than double. Such increase in the amount of traffic does not seem to be related with a systematic change in fares.

THE GRAVITY MODEL FORMALIZATION FOR THE INTERCITY PASSENGER’S CORRESPONDENCES PARAMETER’S ESTIMATION

he paper considers a possibility to apply gravity models for calculation of intercity passenger transport corres- pondences which are implemented with the help of public transport. The Ukraine transportation system has been selected as an object of investigation and this approach extends application possibilities of the obtained results. Calibration coefficients used in calculation of the indicated correspondences are rather important and significant in case of forecasting passenger transport correspondences. Formalization of these factors is necessary for every transportation system if a calculation of pas-senger transport correspondences has been made for it. In this case searching for actual calibration parameters and other coef-ficients as components of gravitational models is a relevant objective of the given paper. Selection of the gravity model va- riant plays rather significant role in solution of this problem. The developed methods for calculation of passenger transport correspondences are proposed for their application in respect of various transport and trip types. The executed research works have made it possible to investigate a process pertaining to providing of services for passenger transportation while using public routes. The obtained characteristics on functioning of the studied system have allowed to assess the possibility for ap-plication of the known methods for calculation of passenger correspondences and analyze the quality of their application. Calibration coefficients have been empirically selected for calculation of the indicated correspondences while using method of gravity modeling. Formalization of previously unexplored parameters of gravity model component provides the possibility to apply the considered approach for calculation of passenger correspondences within the framework of the investigated trans-portion system. This makes it possible to plan and arrange interaction of various transport types and provides new data and knowledge on the studied system.

Real-Time Monitoring of Intercity Passenger Flows Based on Big Data

Managing population mobility is a key to urban growth and sustainable development. This study uses administrative and business data from a number of trustworthy and publicly-available websites for public transport to access passenger flows in a real-time manner. A case study is used to illustrate the application, with intercity passenger flows by public transport mode (rail or air), by rail service type and by time. Moreover, a model is developed for monitoring the implications of population movements, which can be a decision support tool for governments and policy makers to manage population mobility. The big-data approach to accessing public transport passenger movement has the following characteristics: (1) low cost, (2) a population scale, (3) instantaneous data collection/update, and (4) high quality.

Investigation of approaches to modeling of intercity passenger transportation system

The modern scientific approaches to the issue of establishing passenger correspondence using public routes between regional centers are investigated. The results of the analysis of the existing methods for calculating the correspondence of passengers find the impossibility of their implementation without a preliminary study of the features of the system and formalization of corrective coefficients - the components of the gravity functions. It is established that at present in the world practice gravitational modeling is used for forecasting the indicators of interregional passenger transport correspondence.An empirical method is used to establish the parameters of the quantitative index of the gravity function. Unlike previous researchers, used for the invention of the parameters of the function of the attraction approach allows to obtain new knowledge about the studied system. Without the use of automated or non-automated means for examining the correspondence of passengers, it is possible to obtain indicators of the parameters of the experimental system without the influence of the human factor and any time interval.The obtained research results provide an opportunity to carry out calculations of the correspondence of passengers between the regional centers of Ukraine on the routes of general transport using the gravity model. Unknown parameters of gravity function are established in the conducted research. They provide an opportunity in forecasting the correspondence of passengers in the investigated system.

Thermodynamic Analysis of Bus Air Conditioner Working with Refrigerant R600a

Refrigerant R134a (tetrafluoroethane) is widely used in automotive air conditioners and has a good performance. However, since refrigerant R134a still has a high global warming potential (GWP), this refrigerant must be replaced with environmentally friendly refrigerants such as R600a (isobutane), which is a natural fluid, no effect on the climate, inexpensive and readily available. In this study, thermodynamic analysis of a bus air conditioner working with refrigerant R600a was performed. Adana province of Turkey was chosen as the study region. Firstly, a bus used for inter-city passenger transportation with a passenger capacity of 56 persons was selected. Cooling Load Hourly Analysis Program (HAP) was used to determine the hourly cooling load capacity of the selected inter-city bus model. Useful and reversible works of compressor, coefficient of performance (COP), exergy efficiency and exergy destructions of the bus air conditioning system were obtained and evaluated in detail.

Homeland security and Texas’ high-speed rail

A private corporation is proposing a high-speed intercity passenger train system to operate between Dallas and Houston, Texas using Japanese technology and methods. This project brings with it unique and unprecedented homeland security issues. A modern high-speed rail system is a network of potential vulnerabilities, and terrorist groups have identified public transportation as desirable targets. This paper reviews potential vulnerabilities and threats, describes the proposed project, and details possible options for safety, security, and intelligence. The author then puts these items in the context of public policy and makes a series of recommendations regarding the government’s role in the provision of homeland security for the proposed train. Specifically, the author recommends the State of Texas set required homeland security standards for high-speed rail projects.

Connectivity of intercity passenger transportation in China: A multi-modal and network approach

This paper proposes a dynamic weighted model to measure the connectivity of intercity passenger transportation in China. We consider both quality and quantity of the connections of two transport modes: air and rail. Among the 23 major cities selected, Shanghai is revealed to have the highest connectivity level, leading in both air and rail connectivity. Hong Kong, Kunming, and Urumqi are the three cities that predominantly rely on air transportation whose contribution to the connectivity exceeds 80%. This research also suggests that the connections between international cities and China's domestic network are highly concentrated on a few cities, namely, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou, and that Seoul is the best connected international city in terms of its transport links with China. Shanghai-Nanjing has been found to be the best-connected city pair, primarily due to the significant contribution from high-speed rail (HSR) service. Our study shows that the contribution from train service is more than 80% for 19 of the 20 top-ranking domestic routes measured by connectivity. In addition, HSR has become a preferred and dominant option over air on a number of long-distance routes up to 1,300km. This finding has significant policy implications for transportation infrastructure planning and investment.

Connectivity of Intercity Passenger Transportation in China: A Multi-Modal and Network Approach

This paper proposes a dynamic weighted model to measure the connectivity of intercity passenger transportation in China. We consider both quality and quantity of the connections of two transport modes, air and rail. Among the 23 major cities selected, Shanghai is revealed to have the highest connectivity level, leading in both air and rail connectivity. Hong Kong, Kunming, and Urumqi are the three cities that predominantly rely on air transportation whose contribution to the connectivity exceeds 80%. This research also suggests that the connections between international cities and China’s domestic network are highly concentrated on a few cities, namely, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou, and that Seoul is the best connected international city in terms of its transport links with China. Shanghai-Nanjing has been found to be the best-connected city pair, primarily due to the significant contribution from high-speed rail (HSR) service. Our study shows that the contribution from train service is more than 80% for 19 of the 20 top-ranking domestic routes measured by connectivity. In addition, HSR has become a preferred and dominant option over air on a number of long-distance routes up to 1300 km. This finding has significant policy implications for transportation infrastructure planning and investment.

Modeling of intercity passenger transportation system

The modern state of modeling of intercity passenger transportation systems is considered. It is determined that the search for various options for technologies of interaction between the society and the transport industry is constantly at the stage of searching for the best possible methods of transportation organization. To assess the proposed scientific approaches, full-scale measurements are carried out on the route flows of passengers on sections of route routes. The approach to modeling intercity passenger route transportation systems is considered as original in the article, taking into account economic, social and organizational components. These components determine the overall efficiency of the transport process. Together with this, the above approach can be improved. To do this, it is desirable to consider in more detail individual subsystems by mode of transport and separately allocate night and day transportation. Practitioners note that with the same parameters of the trip, people feel differently the consequences of a day and night trip. This can lead to different requirements for the transport network as a whole. But the above algorithm allows to take this into account. The means for assessing the performance parameters of the system of routes for passenger transportation systems are explored. The sequence of formation of the transportation system of intercity passenger transport is proposed, which relies on the achievements of science and practice and takes into account the patterns of distribution of transport correspondence between cities from the transport network. The attraction functions between cities are complemented in accordance with the number of inhabitants and purchasing power. New information has been obtained on the modeling of transport route systems for transportation of passengers between cities within the investigated system. This is more advantageous in comparison with analogues due to the consideration of ensuring the social and economic characteristics of the population, the possibility of increasing productivity by optimizing the use of the route network and meeting the economic interests of the transport industry. This is more advantageous in comparison with the analogues due to ensuring the registration of social and economic characteristics of the population of Ukraine, a possible increase in productivity by optimizing the use of the route network, satisfaction of economic interests of the transport industry.

The effect of perceived value on behavioural intentions

Purpose- This study investigates the relation between perceived value and behavioural intentions in the intercity passenger transportation industry from a multidimensional point of view. It is expected to contribute to theory and practice through the conceptualisation of perceived value within the benefit and sacrifice components and revelation of the effects of these variables on customers’ behavioural intentions with a holistic perspective. Methodology- Data were collected from 552 consumers that purchased services from the companies operating in the intercity passenger transportation industry within the last six months in Turkey. The research model is examined by using structural equation modelling. Findings- The results show that functional, social and emotional values are more effective on repurchase intention and word of mouth. Likewise, monetary cost and emotional value are more effective on willingness to pay more and complaining intention. Conclusion- These results may provide practical implications which could enable managers of intercity passenger transportation companies to understand the relation between perceived value and behavioural intentions and improve the customer loyalty on the basis of perceived value.

Market Segmentation and Development Strategies for Highway Passenger Transport Based on Measurement Model of Passenger Value

AbstractThe passenger value is used to segment the intercity passenger transport market. According to its advantages or disadvantages in each submarket, highway passenger transport (referred to as ...

Modeling of passenger transport correspondence between regional centers in Ukraine

Passenger transport system of Ukraine is studied for establishment of passenger correspondence using public routes between regional centers. The results of the analysis of existing methods of passenger correspondence calculation are found the inability to implement them without preliminary investigation of features of the systems and calculation of the actual values of gravity function. Empirical method is applied for establishing the parameters of quantitative index of gravity function. Unlike previous researchers, this approach for calculation of gravity function parameters allows to obtain new knowledge about the studied system. An opportunity to obtain performance parameters of the experimental system without the human factor and at any time is provided without the use of a manual or automated inspection means for passenger correspondence. Research results provide the opportunity to analyze the calculations of intercity passenger correspondence between regional centers of Ukraine on the general transport routes using a gravity model . Previously unknown parameters of gravity function are defined. This allows to predict the passenger correspondence in this system.

Synthesis of North American High-Speed Passenger Rail Ridership Forecasting

This paper presents a synthesis of two decades of ridership forecasts developed for proposed high-speed intercity passenger rail (HSR) routes in various stages of development across North America. A comprehensive database of ridership forecasts consisted of 210 ridership estimates from 43 unique intercity corridors. Analysis of the database revealed that increasing the maximum operating speed of the HSR service increased ridership, and a simple multiple linear regression model yielded demand elasticities that were consistent with values reported in published rider-ship studies. Regarding the impacts of HSR on the broader transportation system, this synthesis found that the mode share of HSR as well as the percentage of airline trips diverted to HSR services increased as the maximum speed of the system increased. The percentage of induced trips and the percentage of automobile trips diverted to HSR did not vary significantly with speed. Whereas this synthesis provides a starting point for a broader discussion about the importance of ridership forecasting in the development of the U.S. HSR network, each intercity corridor being considered for HSR service is unique, and market-specific ridership studies should be undertaken to identify the various ridership and other metrics necessary for service development. Improvements to the forecasting process, including greater transparency in the forecasting metrics reported as well as post facto evaluation of the ridership forecast against actual passenger traffic, would benefit the entire HSR service development process.

High-Speed Rail (HSR) Users and Travel Characteristics in Turkey

To change the current road dominancy in the intercity passenger transportation, Turkey has been establishing High-Speed Rail (HSR) services as a competitive mode since 2009. A user survey was conducted at four stations of the currently serving HSR lines to obtain data on i) intercity mode choices of HSR users for different trip purposes, ii) alternative modes preferred in HSR corridors and iii) user perspectives on modal service attributes (i.e. travel time, cost, safety, etc.). A significant share of first-time HSR users showed the growing demand of HSR as a transportation mode in Turkey. There were many business or education related trips observed. In the short corridors (i.e. Ankara-Eskişehir), the modal shift was mainly from road transportation, while in Ankara-Istanbul corridor, shift from air to HSR was also observed.

Case Study of Benefit–Cost Analysis of an Intercity Passenger Rail Service

The economic assessment of transportation projects is evolving from a reliance on user benefits (travel time, cost, or safety) to encompass a wider spectrum of potential benefits, fostered by advances in economics and recognition that different project modes deliver different portfolios of benefits. Sponsors develop projects to address specific problems in their communities. This progression in how investments are evaluated opens the door for projects whose outcomes span a variety of benefit categories rather than concentrating on traditional user benefits and permits an improved intermodal comparison of candidate investments. Transit and intercity rail projects are particular beneficiaries of the broader project assessment approach. This paper presents a case study of how a comprehensive approach to project assessment was applied to the Northern Lights Express project that would reintroduce passenger rail service between the cities of Minneapolis and Duluth, Minnesota, the state's largest economies. Owned and operated by BNSF Railway, Amtrak's service in the corridor ended in 1985. Six stations are planned: Target Field in Minneapolis; stations in Coon Rapids, Cambridge, and Hinckley, Minnesota; a station in Superior, Wisconsin; and Union Depot in Duluth. The goal for the analysis was threefold: ( a) to confirm that the investment would yield a positive return; ( b) to communicate with partners, stakeholders, and the public about the project's expected outcomes; and ( c) to contribute to the selection of an alternative. The benefit–cost ratio was estimated for eight alternatives that varied by physical alignment and service plan.