A USER PREFERENCES ANALYSIS OF LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT AND BUS PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEMS

摘要

This article studies user preferences when faced with the introduction of two completelydifferent public transport systems: the bus and Light Rail Transit and in particular examineshow the modal distribution varies between the private car and each of the new systems.The most important variables for users when travelling in a congested corridor areindividualized and a study is made on how these variables influence the modal distribution.The results of stated preferences surveys are modelled using logit type discrete choicemodels. Values are estimated for user time and the demand elasticity is determined withrespect to the relevant variables. Different situations are created to analyse how userbehaviour changes with changes in the most important variables.This article quantifies the effects of the more relevant variables and shows that Light RailTransit can attract more demand than a bus service, but it must guarantee a regular andfrequent service, at the same time as charging competitive fares.It is also shown that for the introduction to be more successful any action taken should beaccompanied by policies that chastise the use of the private car such as increased parkingcharges or higher fuel taxes.