Identifying key determinants of long-distance rail travel: A review with meta-analysis

Abstract

This study aims to provide a review of factors influencing long-distance travel by rail and aims to identify key research gaps, challenges, and needs. We specifically focus on long-distance trips between 100 and 1500 km made by both conventional and high-speed rail. For this, we first propose a conceptual model that allows for categorizing the wide range of factors discussed. Next, by reviewing 67 studies, we identify determinants in four directions: journey, spatial, socio-demographic, and socio-psychological characteristics. To support the review, a meta-analysis is conducted on travel fares and travel duration. Own-price elasticities range between -0.32 and 0.50 whereas own-time elasticities range between -0.34 and -1.53. Finally, we offer a research agenda that highlights current gaps and discusses potential future directions that allow for advancing our understanding of how and which determinants influence long-distance travel choices so that effective policies can be designed.