Changes in commuters travel behaviour after introducing highquality regional railway services

Abstract

Introduction of new public transport services or improvement of existing ones change trip patterns as well as
generate new trips. Scale of both, mode shift and induced trips, is often difficult to predict. It happens especially
when introduced services was not available before or quality change is significant. This kind of situation happened
in Małopolska region (Poland) after development of regional rapid railway connections. Based on revealed
preferences survey among new railway service passengers authors investigated dimension of mode shift and
induced trips. In particular trip length distribution was analysed. Key findings shown that new, fast and high quality
railway connection attracted passengers from other modes of transport and new passengers as well. Moreover trip
length distribution has not changed significantly, however essentials savings of travel time and cost were shown.