Karl Kottenhoff

The value and effects of introducing high standard train and bus concepts in Blekinge, Sweden

A set of improvements were introduced on a railway line in the south of Sweden in January 1992, including a new train concept, improved timetable and lower fares. The new train replaced a combination of old rail cars and standard coaches (bus). Furthermore, 18 months later, a new high comfort coach (bus) service was introduced as a complement to the train timetable to increase the number of departures. Forecasts from a national four-step model system, based on Revealed Preference data, which did not cover explanatory factors like mode concept, comfort, mode image, was made and compared with a forecast based on stated preference data choice model. Both type of forecasts were compared to travel statistics. Stated Preference data have been collected from car drivers, coach and train passengers. The set of improvements have been included in the SP alternatives presented to the subjects. A structured logit model, a regression model and a linear programming model are compared. Unstructured and structured logit models are compared. Logit models have been estimated and used to form a mode choice model which predicts the changes in market shares between the train and car. The choice model forecast coincide, accidentally, with actual demand 8-9 months after the introduction of the set of improvements (a 40% increase in journeys). The set of improvements, including the new train service, has proven to be a success with more than 100% increase in travel after only two years of operation. Differences in estimated logit models for 1991 and 1992 are explained as partly due to asymmetry effects and partly to shortcomings in the SP data collection technique. Logit model estimates for train and coach are compared. The value of high standard coach service, running in parallel to the train, is estimated. The new coach gained few new passengers and also a much lower monetary value than the train by both train and bus passengers.

PASSENGER TRAIN DESIGN FOR INCREASED COMPETITIVENESS

Passenger trains have great potential to increase their market share, provided that good conditions are created for train traffic. This has been proven by modern, comfortable trains with good on-board service, high speed, and fewer quality shortcomings. One serious threat is that high ticket prices limit demand. Efficiency has to be increased. Operating costs can be reduced using modular train configurations, increased space utilization, double-deckers, or wide trains and higher speeds. The last example, higher speeds, also increases the attractiveness of traveling by train. Other factors to increase attractiveness—where stated preference interviews show that passengers’ willingness to pay is high—include low noise and vibration levels, good ventilation (air-conditioning), varied seat configuration with adjustable seats, play areas for children, and service attributes, such as radio/music outlets at seats and free coffee and tea in each car. The impression of modernity itself also plays an important role in enhancing the level of attractiveness.

Green Train Concept and Interior Design

In the Green Train research programme, the objective is to develop an attractive train concept in the form of a concept proposal based on economic assessments. Green Train is to be an attractive express train for both business and leisure-time travellers. High standards of comfort can be motivated by passengers’ willingness to pay. One fundamental idea is the wide carbody for services in Scandinavia to achieve lower total costs for train traffic than a carbody with a normal, quite narrow European continental profile. The trains are thereby made shorter and 2 + 3 seating arrangements are optimised for optimal comfort. Another principle is that the train must be designed to allow punctual station stops, also during periods of peak load. Boarding and alighting must take place within very tight margins, which means that doors, entrances and luggage racks must be in well-considered locations and correctly dimensioned.

Public Transport in the Era of ITS: Forms of Public Transport

This chapter describes the characteristics of public transport systems, seen as a system. With public transport system, we mean mainly the technical system of different modes of transport including vehicles and infrastructure as well as their characteristics, such as capacity in various traffic concepts.