VARIATIONS IN THE RATES OF PASSENGER USAGE OF PORTABLE TECHNOLOGY ON INTERCITY BUSES, TRAINS AND PLANES: IMPLICATIONS FOR TRANSPORTATION PLANNING

摘要

The use of portable electronic devices by passengers on intercity transportation serviceshas apparently risen markedly in recent years. To support the use of such devices, carriers haveinstalled Wi-Fi systems, power outlets, and cell-phone signal boosters for passenger use.To gain perspective on the effects of portable electronic technology on intercity travelbehavior, this study evaluates newly collected data for 9,005 passengers on bus, train, and airtrips. Field researchers conducted visual surveys to measure the use of devices with audiocapability, such as music players and cell phones, and those with visual or audiovisual capacity,such as laptop computers and DVD players. The data collection involved field observations in 14states as well as the District of Columbia and in Canada.Usage between transportation modes differs in a manner consistent not only with the mixof passengers they serve but also their relative attractiveness to technology use. The highestusage was observed on high-speed trains, which offer spacious seating configurations, Wi-Fi,and power outlets. During peak periods, 47.8% of passengers on Amtrak’s Acela Express wereusing technology at randomly selected points. This compares to 39.4% and 35.8% of passengerson “curbside buses” and Amtrak trains using some form of technology—more than twice theshare of conventional bus services and commercial flights. Rail travelers are much more likely touse visual devices than bus and air passengers. Usage tends to be higher on the East Coastthan in Midwest states, California, and Canada.Interpreted broadly, the research suggests that the ability to use portable electronics maybe a factor offsetting the longer travel times associated with certain bus and train trips. Portabletechnology appears to be providing a new incentive for travelers to use surface-transportationmodes operating to and from the downtown areas of major cities.