Modeling effects of transit system transfers on travel behavior: Case of commuter rail and subway in downtown Boston, Massachusetts

Zhan Guo, Nigel H M Wilson

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Transfers can have an important influence on customer satisfaction and on whether many customers find transit service an attractive option. An empirical investigation of transfers from commuter rail to subway in downtown Boston, Massachusetts, is performed. The research identifies a higher transfer penalty between commuter rail and subway than between subway lines. Fare payment and network familiarity also are shown to affect transfer decisions. Despite a large variation of the transfer experience between the stations analyzed, riders seem to have a similar perception of transfers. For example, in most cases, the perceived transfer penalty has a narrow distribution, with a coefficient of variation below 0.5. Potential applications of the research findings to transit planning are presented.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationTransit
Subtitle of host publicationIntermodal and Capacity; Light Rail, Commuter Rail, and Rail Transit; and Major Activity Center Circulation
Pages11-20
Number of pages10
Edition2006
DOIs
StatePublished - 2007

Publication series

NameTransportation Research Record
Number2006
ISSN (Print)0361-1981

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering

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