Passenger Value Research Articles

Passenger valuation of interchanges in urban public transport

Understanding how passengers perceive public transport interchanges is important to better explain current public transport mode and route choice behaviour and to better predict future demand levels. In this study we derive how passengers value a public transport interchange in a metropolitan context entirely based on recent, large-scale, Revealed Preference data, explicitly distinguishing between different types and modes of public transport interchanges. For this purpose we estimate three discrete choice models using maximum likelihood estimation, based on over 26,000 passenger route choices observed in June 2023 in the Greater London Area. We find that each public transport interchange is on average valued equivalent to 5 min uncrowded in-vehicle time. Additionally, our model results provide quantitative evidence that cross-platform interchanges between two metro journey legs are valued 20–25 % less negatively than a regular metro interchange where a level change is required. Multimodal bus-metro interchanges and out-of-station interchanges are perceived most negatively by passengers. Passengers value bus-bus interchanges on average about 60 % more negatively than metro-metro interchanges, possibly driven by factors such as comfort, service frequency, reliability and (perceived) safety. Our study results can be used for business case and appraisal purposes, when quantifying the impact of service changes which affect the number or type of interchanges.

Examining the dynamic engagement process of passengers in online car-hailing system: a view of user value

ABSTRACT The online car-hailing system developed rapidly in recent years. This paper introduces the concept of user value and develops a machine learning framework for modeling the dynamic transformation of passenger value in online car-hailing system. Specifically, during the engagement process, four user value types representing the engagement status were captured based on both consumption and travel attributes. Additionally, we modeled user value conversion prediction throughout the engagement process, seamlessly integrating the benefits of features enhancement and time series prediction. Experiments using real order data demonstrated that the proposed machine learning framework has higher predictive accuracy than other methods. The value categories of online car-hailing users change over time. High-value users have high retention rates, while low-value users are the opposite, and medium-value users have the greatest potential. The results provide an important basis for modeling the engagement process of online car-hailing passengers, and for promoting the customer maintenance and management in online car-hailing systems.

Thermal comfort assessment of non air-conditioned railway coach in Central India during extreme summer

Assessment of thermal comfort for residential buildings has been in trend for years. However almost all the field surveys carried out in recent years, have solely focused on static occupational environment, such as offices, houses, schools etc. Thus, an attempt here has been made to assess the thermal comfort of a dynamic environment for ventilated moving passenger trains in India. In this context, Passenger’s Comfort Vote (PCV) has been collected from passengers who have travelled in a naturally ventilated railway coach during summer 2022 in India. More than 1500 passengers have participated, and recorded their responses in either paper based or digital questionnaire sheet. The study results could contribute towards the enrichment of global thermal comfort database and further for improvement of passengers’ travelling experience during summer. The PCV value for male passengers is found to be slightly more (1.4) as compared to female passengers (1.3). A moderately strong correlation is found between passengers’ comfort response and operative temperature (R2 = 0.78, p < 0.001). The regression operative temperature at optimum thermal comfort condition is found to be 33.2 °C. Air velocity, which primarily depends upon, windows, fans and seat location in the coach, also seems to cause predominant influence on thermal comfort in a ventilated coach. The upper seat is found to be least comfortable with an average sensation vote (PCV) of 1.7 while passengers at window seats are comparatively more comfortable (PCV 1.33).

Public transport crowding valuation in a post-pandemic era

AbstractIt is important to understand how public transport passengers value on-board crowding since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The main contribution of this study is to derive the crowding valuation of public transport passengers in a post-pandemic era entirely based on observed, actual passenger route choices. We derive passengers’ crowding valuation for the London metro network based on a revealed preference discrete choice model using maximum likelihood estimation. We find that after the passenger load on-board the metro reaches the seat capacity, the in-vehicle time valuation increases by 0.42 for each increase in the average number of standing passengers per square metre upon boarding. When comparing this result to a variety of crowding valuation studies conducted before the pandemic in London and elsewhere, we can conclude that public transport passengers value crowding more negatively since the pandemic. Furthermore, we found a ratio between out-of-vehicle time and in-vehicle time of 1.94 pre-pandemic and of 1.92 post-pandemic, based on which we conclude that the relative waiting/walking time valuation did not significantly change since the COVID-19 pandemic. Our study results contribute to a better understanding on how on-board crowding in urban public transport is perceived in a European context since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Navigating digital transformation in airports : A disciplined approach to project portfolio selection and execution

Airports are undertaking digital transformation initiatives to achieve operations excellence, improve sustainability and enhance competitiveness. While digital transformation offers many potential benefits for airports, including improved insights, efficiencies, streamlined passenger journeys and new business/ revenue opportunities, there are risks associated with not utilising a disciplined approach when building a digital transformation project portfolio. Just as all airports are not the same, digital transformation initiatives are not ‘one size fits all’. Projects to introduce new systems and deploy new technology under the banner of digital transformation need to be in support of the strategic goals of the airport and in alignment with business and operational objectives. Digital transformation initiatives must also fit within the resource and skills capacity of the airport to successfully perform the work and provide the necessary post-deployment support afterwards. This paper posits that a disciplined and analytical approach to evaluating both the likely effort required for successful execution and the potential impact and value generated can assist airports with the selection and timing of projects, with the aim of avoiding ‘digital disappointment’. It concludes that digital transformation projects selected and sequenced on the basis of objective criteria are most likely to address the business and operational needs of individual airports and generate the most value for airport employees, stakeholders and passengers.

The Demand Performance of Bus Rapid Transit

This article uses a trip attribute approach to examine the relative passenger attractiveness of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems compared to other transit modes. It examines how passengers value trip attributes for on-street bus, BRT, and light rail and heavy rail systems in passenger behavior research. Empirical data is presented which suggests that passengers value trip attributes for BRT and rail modes in a broadly similar manner. All of these transit modes are favored relative to on-street bus. These findings suggest that BRT systems should be as effective as rail in generating patronage when developed to replace on-street bus services. This conclusion, in association with research demonstrating lower costs for BRT systems compared to rail, may be used to claim cost effectiveness advantages for BRT. However, a number of limitations in the evidence are identified and additional research suggested. Conclusions of the research are also used to suggest ways to improve BRT system design to enhance demand performance.

Data-Driven Estimation of the Impact of Diversions Due to In-Flight Medical Emergencies on Flight Delay and Aircraft Operating Costs.

INTRODUCTION: In-flight medical emergencies (IFMEs) average 1 of every 604 flights and are expected to increase as the population ages and air travel increases. Flight diversions, or the rerouting of a flight to an alternate destination, occur in 2 to 13% of IFME cases, but may or may not be necessary as determined after the fact. Estimating the effect of IFME diversions compared to nonmedical diversions can be expected to improve our understanding of their impact and allow for more appropriate decision making during IFMEs.METHODS: The current study matched multiple disparate datasets, including medical data, flight plan and track data, passenger statistics, and financial data. Chi-squared analysis and independent samples t-tests compared diversion delays and costs metrics between flights diverted for medical vs. nonmedical reasons. Data were restricted to domestic flights between 1/1/2018 and 6/30/2019.RESULTS: Over 70% of diverted flights recover (continue on to their intended destination after diverting); however, flights diverted due to IFMEs recover more often and more quickly than do flights diverted for nonmedical reasons. IFME diversions introduce less delay overall and cost less in terms of direct operating costs and passenger value of time (averaging around 38,000) than do flights diverted for nonmedical reasons.DISCUSSION: Flights diverted due to IFMEs appear to have less impact overall than do flights diverted for nonmedical reasons. However, the lack of information related to costs for nonrecovered flights and the decision factors involved during nonmedical diversions hinders our ability to offer further insights.Lewis BA, Gawron VJ, Esmaeilzadeh E, Mayer RH, Moreno-Hines F, Nerwich N, Alves PM. Data-driven estimation of the impact of diversions due to in-flight medical emergencies on flight delay and aircraft operating costs. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2021; 92(2):99105.

Challenges and Opportunities Underlining Africa’s Aviation Landscape: A Multiple Lenses Analysis

Aim/Purpose: This study sought to apply the Structure Conduct Performance paradigm to Africa´s air transport landscape in general. To do that it examines the past, present and future expectations of four of Sub-Saharan Africa’s biggest avia-tion economies namely South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia and Nigeria. Second-ary data containing historical passenger traffic was analysed and predictions for growth in the next ten years proposed. Background: There is consensus that overall the future of aviation in Africa has significant economic potential with significant other challenges needing to be overcome. The existence of a large land mass that requires connecting with itself, a growing population and specifically a growing middle class with an appetite for air travel, an extensive extractives sector and a growing tourism sector can provide the necessary demand conditions. In support of this, regional economic communities have led the way in implementation of Yamoussoukro Declaration (YD). This is especially so in West Africa through the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) and the Banjul Accord Group (BAG), which have facilitated the development of the most, liberalized air transport market in Africa. At a higher level, the full implementation of YD requires that states disengage from the industry, liberalise access and facilitate the increased participation of the private sector. Some of the challenges that need to be actioned include high user charges and taxes, under-capitalization of African airlines and insufficient management experience, which have contributed significantly to the low profitability of African airlines. Methodology: The case study approach is generally used to generate an in-depth comprehension of a complex issue in real-life. It is an established research design that is used extensively in a wide variety of disciplines, particularly in the social sciences. The study adopts a quantitative methodology based on the selected regional sample of countries under study and adopts the Structure Conduct Performance (SCP) model as a framework for analysis. The data set was for the previous twenty years and it was exposed to linear extrapolation to determine the expected future growth. Trend lines were included and standard regression modelling revealed the R2 value for international and total air passengers per country. Findings: The research findings exposed the possibility of a significant upside in the development of the aviation industry in Africa ceteris paribus. In all the countries analysed it appears that the development of the industry is sup-ported by strong tourism and travel demand by international tourists, and the various individual country as well as continent-wide measures towards lib-eralization of the African airspace. Impact on Society: The findings of this study have shown that intra-Africa travel can be en-hanced by a strong collaboration between airlines and states. Some strong opportunities have arisen from the enhancement of deep ties between na-tional champions like Ethiopian Airlines and regional carriers in West Afri-ca. Indicating that cross border and cross airline partnerships are a key in-gredient for airlines to make a significant contribution to the economies in Africa.

Impact of digital technologies on airline operations

With more and more passengers choosing to fly by air, how to improve customer in-flight experience becomes an important issue for airlines. Digitalization has changed the way people enjoy their lives and it also has impacted on airline\’s business strategy. Thus, it is worth to investigate how digitalization impacts on passengers’ in-flight preference. Due to the different strategy, inflight entertainment (IFE) system has different application in low-cost airlines and full-service airlines. In order to balance the cost and revenue of airlines, a customer satisfied survey about IFE has been conducted to investigate how passengers value IFE when they travel by air. Since more than 1/3 of respondents thought IFE was an important element when they taking flights, it is meaningful to provide passengers with IFE systems to improve their satisfaction. Thus, based on passengers\’ needs, more types of movies and TV programs, personality functions, earphones, and other elements could be added to IFE systems to enhance customer in-flight experience.

Passenger satisfaction and loyalty for app-based ride-sharing services: through the tunnel of perceived quality and value for money

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the passengers' perception of app or application-based ride-sharing service in Bangladesh. The research directly measures the passengers' perception of perceived quality and value for money of using app-based ride-sharing services in Bangladesh and how it impacts passengers' satisfaction. The study also measures the indirect relationship of perceived quality and value for money and passengers' loyalty through the mediating effects of passenger satisfaction in app-based ride-sharing services.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used an online self-administered survey questionnaire to collect data from the respondents who have experienced app-based ride-sharing services in Bangladesh. In this study, 400 questionnaires were distributed to the respondents online (Google form) and received 281 useful responses that give a 70.25% response rate. The survey data were analyzed based on construct validity, convergent validity and structural equation modeling by using Smart PLS 3.FindingsThe research findings indicate that perceived quality and value for money positively and significantly influence passengers' satisfaction. The passengers' satisfaction has a direct and significant relationship with passenger loyalty. The research findings also indicate that perceived quality and value for money have an indirect relationship with passenger loyalty through the mediating effect of passenger loyalty in app-based ride-sharing services.Practical implicationsBoth perceived quality and value for money have been the key drivers of passenger satisfaction and loyalty. Thus, the ride-sharing service providers should emphasize enhancing passenger value perception and quality service to reinforce passenger satisfaction and loyalty by increasing communication with the passengers about their apps. Besides, the service providers need to keep track of passengers' satisfaction levels and adopt necessary initiatives to ensure satisfied passengers toward loyalty.Originality/valueLimited studies have investigated the impacts of perceived quality and value for money on passenger satisfaction and loyalty to app-based rideshare service. It is a suitable time as the research findings will help ride-sharing service providers enhance their quality performance to compete healthily. Simultaneously, passengers can enjoy improved, and value-added services due to increasing competition among the app-based service providers. Regulators can also emphasize passenger quality services and the importance of money as a proposition while formulating policy and regulations toward the management of ride-sharing companies.

Effects of introducing low-cost high-speed rail on air-rail competition: Modelling and numerical analysis for Paris-Marseille

Given the trend of railway liberalization in Europe and Asia, we explore the effects of introducing low-cost high-speed rail as an answer to the railway reform on air-rail competition. In particular, by proposing a vertically differentiated model, we first derive the optimal pricing policies as well as the corresponding profits and market shares for low-cost high-speed rail (LCR), full-service high-speed rail (FSR) and air transport (Air). We do so for two types of LCR entrants, namely the incumbent owned entrant (to the FSR company) and the independently owned entrants. For both situations, we prove analytically that introducing LCR leads to reduced FSR and Air fares as well as to reduced Air traffic. The fare and traffic reductions increase with the passenger's time value and with the LCR travel time, while they decrease with the Air unit seat cost. Moreover, all LCR effects are stronger for an independently operated LCR. We apply our model to the Paris-Marseille route, based on data collected from publicly available sources. It is found that introducing an independently owned (incumbent owned) LCR on this route leads to 39% (33%) less air traffic, 20% (14%) less FSR traffic and a 37% (29%) increase in total rail traffic. Furthermore, this comes with increases of 2% (8%) in combined railway profit and 6% (5%) in total social welfare. These results support the decision of French policy makers to have LCR and FSR operated by the same company, as it comes with much higher combined railway profits and almost the same welfare increase as independently owned LCR. Further sensitivity analyses suggest that most LCR passengers would otherwise have traveled by FSR or Air, although LCR also attracts new passengers. In addition, offering a low-cost alternative is more effective if passengers value time more highly. Implications in terms of methodology and industry are provided.

The Intention of Passengers towards Repeat Use of Biometric Security for Sustainable Airport Management

More and more these days, airport security is having to adapt to a greater number of passengers while keeping within finer margins of precision when it comes to clearing passengers for security clearance. Therefore, analyzing potential upgrades in the security process and adopting them in a way that does not impact passenger experience has become a key activity for airport managers. One viable technological solution that is not only effective but also efficient is biometric security. This technology allows for passengers to safely clear security based on their unique biometric features. Despite its promise, airports and passengers alike are slow to adopt its use. Additionally, there were few studies that revealed insights into passengers’ intentions toward repeat use of biometric security. Hence, in our novel attempts to uncover the underlying reasons, we implemented a study on passengers’ initial and repeat usage intention based on perceived benefits and risks of biometric security technology. Based on 327 survey responses, we employed the use of SEM to extract first- and second-order constructs before evaluating our hypotheses on a finally accepted model. To be aligned with the novel attempt of this research, the results showed that both the perceived benefits and risks have a significant impact on passenger’s initial and repeat use intention of biometric security. Therefore, for all practitioners engaged in sustainable airport management, strong consideration from this research should help in creating value for passengers while mitigating the risks of adopting biometric security within airport security settings.

Quantifying the competitiveness of transit relative to taxi with multifaceted data

This paper proposes an assessment framework to quantify the competitiveness of transit relative to a taxi-like service. The framework centers on a transit route builder, which searches, using a hyperpath-based algorithm, for the best available transit route that matches the origin and the destination of a given taxi trip. Based on the optimal transit route, we then measure the relative competitiveness of the transit service according to the preference of a rational traveler, which is determined by the generalized cost defined by fare, in-vehicle travel time and other service attributes. The framework is evaluated using a case study constructed with multifaceted data sources collected in Shenzhen, China. The results show that, while 90% of all taxi trips are faster than its best alternative transit option, only about 36% is shorter. Also, the relative competitiveness of transit decreases with the passenger's value of time, and increases with the average trip distance. We also find that the preference of the middle-income passengers for transit is the most sensitive to the changes in trip distance, mode (bus or rail) and fare.

What Attributes Do Passengers Value in Electrified Buses?

The Korean government has announced plans to supply electrified buses to achieve decarbonization in the transportation sector and to create next-generation growth engines. Although a multitude of technical and political studies have been conducted to support the successful introduction of electrified buses, studies on the attitudes and perceptions of passengers toward electrified buses remain insufficient. To evaluate the perceptions and preferences of potential passengers toward the specific attributes of electrified buses, this study performed an online survey (N = 586) that includes people who had experienced travel on public buses. Values of the relative importance of eight different attributes—safety, ride comfort, environmental friendliness, exterior design, cleanliness, crowding, seat comfort, and convenience getting on/off—were evaluated using the best-worst scaling method. The results showed that safety (share of preference: 41.3%) was the most important attribute when using electrified buses. This was followed by eco-friendliness (14.3%) and ride comfort (13.6%). On the other hand, the least important attribute was exterior design (1.8%). Gender differences were also observed in the valuation of certain attributes among the passenger preferences toward electrified buses. The results of this study contribute to the development of strategies for the wide-spread adoption of electrified buses and provide a stepping-stone to a more sustainable public transportation system.

Analysis of Willingness to Pay for Ancillary Revenue of Full Service Airline (The Case of Garuda Indonesia)

Airlines are facing challenges from high cost structures and intense competition. This has made airlines universally look for opportunities to generate ancillary revenue, additional income apart from their main sources, including Full Service Carriers (FSC). Measuring consumer’s willingness to pay is pivotal in pricing and estimating ancillary revenue demand. This study analyzes whether customer’s type of journey, purpose of journey, length of flight, and type of flight class have an impact on willingness to pay (WTP) of Garuda Indonesia’s ancillary revenues which comprises of unbundled products and commission-based income. This paper uses data from a survey to Garuda Indonesia’s customer and follows quantitative studies to identify and describe the relationship between the WTP of Garuda Indonesia’s ancillary revenue and all variables involved. The study found that passengers value more the unbundled products. It is also found differences in WTP for particular ancillary products and services based on purpose of journey, length of flight, and type of flight class.&#x0D; Keywords: Ancillary Revenue, Willingness to Pay, Type of Journey, Length of Flight, Journey Purpose, Type of Cabin Class, Full Service Carriers

Bus headway optimization with consumer surplus as a measure of societal benefit

ABSTRACT This paper derives the square root bus dispatch optimization developed by Newell from consumer surplus rather than the original cost minimization function. We then extend the model to consider dispatch-variant demand and outline its property relative to the original model by Newell. Demand elasticity is introduced via a multinomial logit mode choice model. Results are tested for City of Edmonton mode choice and ridership. The sensitivity of the function to wait time cost and passenger demand is tested. For the observed passenger demand and value of travel time, our analysis suggests there is a portion of riders who are captive and will suffer increasing wait time costs, but many passengers will make the choice to utilize other modes of travel when faced with increasing bus headways.

ОБОСНОВАНИЕ ВЕЛИЧИНЫ ПОТРЕБНОГО ИНТЕРВАЛА МЕЖДУ ТРАНСПОРТНЫМИ СРЕДСТВАМИ В ПРИГОРОДНО-ГОРОДСКИХ ПАССАЖИРСКИХ ПЕРЕВОЗКАХ НА ПРИМЕРЕ РАБОТЫ ЖЕЛЕЗНОДОРОЖНЫХ ДИАМЕТРОВ

When designing passenger transport systems and modeling their operation, researchers face the problem of choosing the consumer properties of the transport system. In modern conditions, in order to compete with other modes of transport, each transport system must offer the passenger a continuous mode of operation, in which the passenger does not need to adjust to the schedule, but only needs to arrive at the stop point and wait for the nearest vehicle (train, bus, etc.). One of the most important characteristics required for design and simulation is the time that a passenger is willing to spend waiting for a vehicle at a station without compromising the comfort of transportation. The paper reveals regularities between such important parameters of schedules as the maximum allowable (optimal for the organizer of transportation) and comfortable (for the passenger) value of intervals between vehicles on the example of suburban-urban railway passenger transportation. A qualitative estimation of the speed parameter of the vehicle traffic schedule is introduced. The values of comfortable and maximum permissible intervals between trains are determined depending on the distance (duration) of the trip.

What passengers really want: Assessing the value of rail innovation to improve experiences

Technology has the potential to provide more up-to-date information and customised services to train passengers and therefore improve the rail journey experience. However, there is a lack knowledge about which innovations and services are preferred by the travelling public. The purpose of this study was to understand the value which passengers placed on technological innovations to improve the overall passenger journey experience. A conjoint analysis survey based on the best-worst scale of preference was developed to evaluate how passengers (N = 398) value different system features proposed to improve passenger experience in the UK. Results show that the automatic compensation for delayed or cancelled trains was valued the highest, and the ability to pre-order special services ranked as least value from a set of ten features. Additional results include the segmentation of responses according to passenger type (commuters, business and leisure) and the similarities and differences in responses from the public versus those working directly in the rail industry. The insights gained from this study suggest which features should be prioritised to improve rail passenger journey experiences.

Impact of Electromagnetic Fields in Transport on Active Implantable Medical Devices

Abstract This paper details numerical computation of induced interference voltage within a pacemaker due to exposure to electromagnetic (EM) fields present in a train. The goal is to verify whether electromagnetic field sources pose a potential threat to passengers with an implanted pacemaker. A simplified human body model with a bipolar lead configuration pacemaker was positioned in the vicinity of an electric distribution box - the source of an 50 Hz electric field influencing the pacemaker. Two positions were investigated, each placed in two different distances from the source of the electromagnetic (EM) field. The maximum calculated interference voltage in all simulated cases is within the 0,29 V/m range. This value corresponds to the input filter attenuation band and represents a safe value for train passengers with an implanted pacemaker, subject to undamaged distribution box and is in compliance with security requirements.

Metro disruption management: Optimal initiation time of substitute bus services under uncertain system recovery time

Determining the initiation time of substitute bus (SB) services is critical for metro disruption management, especially under uncertain recovery time. This study develops a mathematical formulation to determine the optimal initiation time (OIT) of SB services by trading-off their initiation cost and passenger delay cost, thereby minimizing the total system cost. Given the probability distribution of metro disruption duration, we determine the OIT by formulating an optimization problem to minimize the expected total system cost. We then conduct sensitivity analyses of the initiation cost of SB services, passenger value of time, and SB services rate. The results show that SB services ought to be activated only if the metro incident lasts longer than a certain time interval, depending on the factors mentioned earlier, and the OIT should advance with the predicted incident duration. This paper derives analytical results for the case of linear passenger arrival, and determines the results numerically for the case of non-linear passenger arrival when analytical closed-form solutions are not available. The findings will facilitate transit operators to develop response plans in the aftermath of a metro disruption.