01658529

Component

This research explores and attempts to understand transit riders’ behavioural responses and psychological perceptions towards real-time transit information. The focus is on two specific situations: the presence of inconsistent information on transit service recovery and the effects of crowded trains during rush hours. A survey was designed and conducted to collect Light Rail Transit (LRT) riders’ psychological perceptions and behavioural responses in Calgary, Alberta. Multinomial logit models were developed and calibrated to explore the effects of the described scenarios on riders’ responses. The results led to the conclusion that socio-economic attributes, experience with APIS system, familiarity with public transit in general and Calgary’s LRT system in particular, and the characteristics of origin LRT stations had strong influences on travellers’ behavioural responses. It was also determined that travellers’ actions vary significantly depending on the purpose of the trip, time of the trip, and weather conditions. Many behavioural details that have important policy implications were also revealed. Most importantly, the results showed that the provision of audio information in addition to at-stop LRT information was crucial in convincing riders to wait for incoming trains rather than shifting to other modes. In addition, the characteristics of the LRT stations at the trip origin had important impacts on riders’ behavioural responses to APIS. Providing heated waiting areas on LRT platforms was also shown to be important to make the waiting time easier in cold weather for riders who prefer not to squeeze into incoming crowded train. While many respondents showed an interest in opting for other transit alternatives, a lack of familiarity with other transit services might deter some riders from taking this option; providing accurate information on alternative transit routes at LRT stations may convince transit riders to shift to other transit options.

This paper was sponsored by TRB committee AP030 Standing Committee on Public Transportation Marketing and Fare Policy.

18-00117

English

3p

2018

Transportation Research Board 97th Annual Meeting

Digital/other

Figures

Advanced traveler information systems; Crowds; Light rail transit; Passengers; Travel behavior

Data and Information Technology; Operations and Traffic Management; Passenger Transportation; Public Transportation

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2018 Paper #18-00117

TRIS, TRB, ATRI

Jan 8 2018 10:03AM