Long-Distance Trips and Mode Choice in Illinois

Estimating demand for high speed rail systems in the U.S. is increasingly important as more resources and attention are given to the development of such systems. However, estimating the potential ridership poses unique challenges. Obtaining behavioral data to accurately predict potential customers’ market responses to a new and unfamiliar product is of paramount importance. However, there is a limited amount of travel survey data regarding potential high speed rail usage. This data is typically the main source of information for estimating travel demand for long distance trips that extend beyond urban area boundaries or planning regions for metropolitan planning organizations. Therefore, in order to conduct a study of high speed rail demand requires both understanding both how individuals currently travel and how they would travel if the new system was available. The focus of this paper is on collecting such data for a hypothetical high-speed rail system in the state of Illinois. A new mixed-mode stated-choice intercept survey was designed and implemented as both a paper and pencil instrument (PAPI) for use when pre-trip intercept was possible, and as a combination screener and follow-up internet-based Computer Aided Self Interview (CASI) survey. The stated-choice survey was used to estimate hypothetical mode choice behavior. This was paired with a Computer-Aided Telephone Interview (CATI) personal travel survey, which is used to reveal respondents current long-distance travel characteristics.