Abstracts from the

Journal of Public Transportation

Volume 10, No. 3, 2007 

A Methodology for the Estimation of Value-of-Time Using State-of-the-Art Econometric Models

Constantinos Antoniou, National Technical University of Athens, Greece
Evangelos Matsoukis and Penelope Roussi, University of Patras, Greece

Abstract

Value-of-time (VOT) measures are valuable in a wide range of public transport policy and planning applications. However, VOT is a latent variable that cannot be measured directly. In this research, state-of-the-art econometric models are developed within a methodological framework that allows for the estimation of the VOT. Ordered and binary discrete choice models have been developed. Furthermore, a mixed effects model that accounts for the unobserved heterogeneity across different individuals has also been specified. The models have been applied to short intercity trips between two medium-size cities (Agrinio and Patras) in Greece. The model specification combines trip-based characteristics (mode, travel time, and travel cost), with socioeconomic characteristics, such as profession, education, and car ownership. A stated-preference survey has been designed and administered to a random sample of 289 people. The estimated coefficients from the developed models have been used to estimate VOT measures and the overall performance of the ordered logit and the generalized linear mixed model has been found to be superior to the binary logit model. Full text (pdf)

Service Quality Attributes Affecting Customer Satisfaction for Bus Transit

Laura Eboli and Gabriella Mazzulla, University of Calabria

Abstract

In this article a tool for measuring customer satisfaction in public transport is proposed. Specifically, a structural equation model is formulated to explore the impact of the relationship between global customer satisfaction and service quality attributes. The public transport service analyzed is the bus service habitually used by University of Calabria students to reach the campus from the urban area of Cosenza (southern Italy). To calibrate the model, some data collected in a survey addressed to a sample of students were used. The proposed model can be useful both to transport agencies and planners to analyze the correlation between service quality attributes and identify the more convenient attributes for improving the supplied service.  Full text (pdf)

Electronic Service Quality: Public Transport Information on the Internet

Lars Eriksson and Margareta Friman, Karlstad University
Ann-Catrin Norman, The Swedish Social Insurance Agency

Abstract

As public transport companies market new self-service technologies, it has become increasingly important to understand the factors affecting the users’ perceived service quality of these services. Electronic Service Quality has been broadly defined as encompassing all phases of a customer’s interaction with a website. The E-S-QUAL scale comprises four dimensions. This article investigates the importance of three of the suggested quality dimensions (efficiency, system availability, and fulfillment) for overall satisfaction when using information-based websites. A survey was conducted with respondents being asked to use and evaluate an existing website delivering public transport information in their region. The results revealed that efficiency (addressing the ease and speed of using the site) was most important for overall satisfaction. Furthermore, it is concluded that a modified E-S-QUAL scale is appropriate for this purpose as it was possible to adapt it to a pure service-related website. Full text (pdf)

A New Performance Index for Evaluating Transit Quality of Service

Liping Fu, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Yaping Xin, Stantec Consulting Ltd., Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Abstract

This article proposes a new performance index called Transit Service Indicator (TSI), which could be used as a comprehensive measure for quantifying the quality of service of a transit system. TSI integrates multiple performance measures (e.g., service frequency, hours of service, route coverage, and travel time components) within a systematic framework. It takes into account spatial and temporal variations in travel demand, recognizing that quality of service is a result of interaction between supply and demand. A case study is conducted to examine the sensitivity of the proposed TSI to various system design and condition variables and parameters.  Full Text (pdf)

Segmenting Preferences and Habits of Transit Users and Non-Users

Kevin J. Krizek, University of Colorado, Boulder/Denver, CO
Ahmed El-Geneidy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN

Abstract

Ridership is a key goal in the transit industry. Conventional transit analysis focuses on two types of users—captive and choice riders—but rarely aims to understand the preferences of non-transit riders. This research aims to better understand habits and preferences—for both users and non-users of the transit system—as they relate to the transit market in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Our research first articulates different broad market segments commonly considered in transit research and follows by describing how specific features of transit service characteristics may play out in influencing demand. We describe the source of two surveys analyzed in this application, one for existing transit users and a separate one for non-users. Our analysis approach employs factor and cluster analysis to shed light on preference and other characteristics for eight different segments of transit users or potential transit users. The discussion section and conclusions highlight the findings and prescribe relevant policy recommendations. Full text (pdf)

Benchmarking Transit Research in the United States

Richard Marshment, University of Oklahoma

Abstract

The national transit research program in the United States commands fewer resources than research on other surface transportation modes. In real dollars, expenditures on the national transit research program declined over the past six years. While the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act of 2005 reverses this trend by increasing transit research funding over the next five fiscal years, transit research funding still lags aviation, highways, and railroads. The low priority assigned transit research at the national level is also prevalent at the state, transit industry, and university levels.
In an effort to focus resources on the transit industry’s most pressing needs, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has adopted a strategic transit research plan that sets forth five goals: provide leadership, increase ridership, improve operating and capital efficiency, improve safety and emergency preparedness, and protect the environment and promote energy independence. FTA charts strategies to achieve these goals but must do so with most of its research budget earmarked to specific projects. Technology issues dominate the national transit research program. Full text (pdf)

Trends in Transit Bus Accidents and Promising Collision Countermeasures

C. Y. David Yang, Noblis

Abstract

This article presents information on bus collisions from the National Transit Database (NTD) and discusses implications of the findings on the design of transit collision warning systems. A total of 2,405 major transit bus collisions were reported in 2002 and 2003 that resulted in more than $15 million in property damage, 145 fatalities, and more than 8,000 injuries. According to the NTD, front and angle transit collisions yielded higher fatality and injury rates and property damage costs compared to rear collisions. Most major bus collisions occurred in benign conditions such as clear weather and on dry roads. Therefore, emphasis should be placed on developing a warning system with the capability of continuously monitoring the bus surroundings and providing timely alerts to transit operators about crash threats in front and on either side of the bus. Full text (pdf)

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