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Demand for intercity rail travel: a comparison of the British and American experiences

Journal Article · · Transport. J.; (United States)
OSTI ID:7260648

Comparison of intercity rail travel in the Northeast Corridor of the U.S. and Great Britain indicates that, demand factors being similar, growth in this type of travel in the U.S. will follow the growth of the British rail system when levels of speed, cost, comfort, and convenience are raised accordingly. The study focused on the post-World War II period when U.S. rail travel dropped drastically in both numbers of passengers and distance traveled. Trends for both countries are traced in number of passenger journeys, number of passenger miles, railroad and airline market shares, and fares. Speed was found to be the dominant demand factor, but must be accompanied by improved equipment and roadbeds in order to attract passengers. Fare elasticity was not found to be as high as that of speed. (DCK)

Research Organization:
Massachusetts Inst. of Tech., Cambridge
OSTI ID:
7260648
Journal Information:
Transport. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Transport. J.; (United States) Vol. 16:3; ISSN TRNJA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English