On Track or On the Road?

Understanding the impact of detailed attitudes over time and the experienced value of train travel time on the train versus car decision

Master thesis (2024)

Authors

E.D. Gielisse Civil Engineering & Geosciences

Contributors

A.J.F. de Ruijter Transport and Planning - CEG (supervisor 1)
M. Kroesen Transport and Logistics - TPM (supervisor 1)
N. van Oort Transport and Planning - CEG (coach)
Faculty
Civil Engineering & Geosciences
More Info
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Published Date

30-05-2024

Language

English

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Faculty

Civil Engineering & Geosciences

Abstract

The study emphasises the importance of understanding individuals' mode choice between train and car to reduce CO2 emissions. It addresses two significant gaps in the existing literature, focusing on the impact of detailed attitudes towards mode use over time and the impact of train travel time components on actual mode use. The study reveals that environmental awareness and cost-consciousness drive increased train usage and reduced car usage, while status-sensitivity has no significant influence on mode use over time. Additionally, travelers place varying importance on different train travel components, with transfer time significantly impacting the modal share of the train. Furthermore, the perceived valuation of train travel time components emerges as a more reliable indicator of individuals' mode choice between train and car than the actual door-to-door train travel time. To encourage a shift from car to train use, the study emphasizes the need to encourage travelers to consider cost and environmental factors related to mode use, as well as the need to minimize transfer time and enhance the appreciation of transfer time