Assessing Consumers' Interest in Using Alternative Transportation Modes of Commuting

Abstract

Residents (n = 666) of an Honolulu suburb who commute to work by car were asked about their interest in using paratransit. Analysis of responses indicates that interest is highest when better and more comfortable service is offered at a $1 fare and decreases sharply with higher fares. But improved service characteristics can offset the effect of fare to some extent. A method is suggested for converting consumers' ratings of interest into estimates of demand for service, based on the current market-share of transit.