Influence of Changes in Level on Passenger Route Choice in Railway Stations

Abstract

In assessing the design of a public transfer station, it is important to be able to predict the routes taken by passengers. Most simulation tools use simple route choice models that take into account only the shortest walking distance or walking time between a passenger's origin and destination. To improve this type of route choice model, other factors affecting passenger route choice need to be identified. Also, the way these factors influence route choice behavior needs to be determined to indicate how each factor is valued. In this research, route choice data have been collected in two Dutch train stations by following passengers through the facility from their origins to their destinations. These data have been used to estimate extended route choice models. The focus is on the influences of level changes in walking routes on passenger route choice behavior. It appears that ways of bridging level changes (ramps, stairs, escalators) each have a significant and different impact on the attractiveness of a route to a traveler.