How to Choose the Most Efficient Transport Mode for Weekend Tourism Journeys: An HSR and Private Vehicle Comparison

Moyano, Amparo; Coronado, José M.; Garmendia, Maddi · 2016 · Crossref

DOI: 10.2174/1874447801610010084

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Summary

This study evaluates the efficiency of High-Speed Rail (HSR) compared to private vehicles for weekend tourism journeys in Spain, addressing the dominance of car travel despite the expansion of the HSR network. Motivated by RENFE’s strategic shift to compete in the tourism market through new services and discounted fares, the research aims to identify the most convenient transport mode based on a person-centered assessment. This approach prioritizes the time available at the destination and total associated costs, rather than solely analyzing infrastructure characteristics or modal shares. The methodology employs an efficiency indicator derived from Time Geography principles, calculated as the ratio of time available at the destination to total travel costs. The case study analyzes 27 cities connected to Madrid via the Spanish HSR network as of early 2015. The authors established three scenarios based on the number of travelers (one, two, and four) to account for cost-sharing dynamics. For private vehicles, costs included fuel, maintenance, insurance, and amortization, with a sensitivity analysis for fuel price fluctuations. For HSR, costs incorporated various fare types, including standard return tickets, dynamic "Promo" fares, and group "Mesa" fares. The analysis considered both transportation-only costs and combined transportation and accommodation expenses, using real timetables to determine actual time budgets. The results indicate that HSR is generally more efficient than private vehicles for individual and couple travelers. For one traveler, HSR efficiency exceeded that of cars in all analyzed cities, often by more than 50%, particularly for longer distances. For two travelers, HSR remained the more efficient option on average, though the margin narrowed to approximately 20%, with short-distance cities like Guadalajara favoring car travel. For groups of four, private vehicles became significantly more efficient due to cost sharing, outperforming standard HSR fares by roughly 20%. However, the introduction of "Mesa" fares allowed HSR to compete directly with cars for groups of four, achieving a balanced efficiency ratio in ten cities, including Barcelona and Zaragoza. The study also found that HSR efficiency varied significantly by route due to differences in commercial speed and fare availability, with cities at the ends of lines or on the Barcelona corridor benefiting most from discounted fares. The significance of this research lies in demonstrating that HSR is a viable and often superior alternative to private vehicles for weekend tourism, particularly for individuals and small groups, provided that competitive fares and convenient timetables are available. The findings highlight that the mere presence of an HSR station does not guarantee efficient connectivity; service quality and pricing strategies are critical determinants. The paper advocates for a person-based efficiency assessment in future transport mode choice research, suggesting that such metrics can help travelers make informed decisions and assist policymakers in evaluating the real competitiveness of rail services against road transport.

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• speed choice