Variations in the Rates of Passenger Usage of Portable Technology on Intercity Buses, Trains and Planes: Implications for Transportation Planning

In recent years, the use of portable electronic devices by passengers on intercity transportation services has risen markedly. Transportation providers support the use of such devices by installing Wi-Fi systems, power outlets, and cellular telephone signal boosters for passenger use. To fill a void in research about the effects of portable electronic technology on intercity travel behavior, this study evaluates newly collected data for 7,028 passengers on 96 bus, train, and air trips in 14 states. The paper explores how usage differs by mode and time of day as well as the implications that these differences have on various sectors of the U.S. transportation system. Interpreted broadly, the research findings suggest that the ability to use portable electronics may be a factor offsetting the longer travel times associated with certain bus and train trips, and provides a new incentive for travelers to use transportation services that operate to and from the downtown areas of major cities.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/31144651
• Authors:
  • Schwieterman, Joseph P
  • Fischer, Lauren A
• Publication Date: 2011

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 65-78
• Serial:
  • Journal of Transportation Law, Logistics and Policy
  • Volume: 78
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: Association for Transportation Law, Logistics and Policy
  • ISSN: 1078-5906
  • Serial URL: http://www.atlp.org/journal.html

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air travel; Bus transportation; Cellular telephones; Electronics; Incentives; Intercity transportation; Laptop computers; Passenger transportation; Railroad travel; Travel behavior; Travel time
• Uncontrolled Terms: Portable electronic devices
• Subject Areas: Passenger Transportation; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01339956
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 18 2011 10:51AM