| By: |
Susilo, Yusak O. (KTH);
Lyons, Glenn (University of the West of England);
Jain, Juliet (University of the West of England);
Atkins, Steve (University of the West of England) |
| Abstract: |
Using data from Great Britain’s National Passenger Survey 2010 this paper
examines the travel time use of rail passengers and their indicative
assessment of its utility. The paper explores the impacts of individuals’
socio demographic characteristics, types of activity undertaken and the
perceived difficulties that may be faced by the travellers on their assessment
of travel time use utility. The study shows that only 13% of travellers
considered their travel time as wasted. However, this varies by journey
purpose, travelling class (first/standard class), gender and journey length.
The study shows that the positive or negative appreciation by passengers of
their journey time is not only a result of various combinations of on-board
activity engagements, but also the smoothness of overall journey experience.
Being able to work/study on the train most significantly increases individual
appreciation of time use. However, a delay on an individual’s train journey
also has a major influence in reducing his/her perceived value of travel time
spent. ICT devices that enable travellers to watch film/video or play games or
check emails are more appreciated than those providing access to music/podcast
or access to social networking sites. The paper joins others in questioning
assumptions made in economic appraisal that travel time is unproductive. It
concludes with a call for more substantive and targeted data collection
efforts within travel behaviour research devoted to further unravelling the
phenomenon of the positive utility of travel. |
| Keywords: |
Travel time use; Rail passenger; Journey satisfaction; Great Britain |
| JEL: |
R40 R42 |
| Date: |
2013–09–23 |
| URL: |
http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hhs:ctswps:2013_018&r=reg |