Zheng Zhang
Hidemichi Fujii
Shunsuke Managi


Highlights

•This study examines the impact of incentives on subway passenger in Beijing.
•Fast food services and low ticket fares have influence on avoiding the morning rush.
•Flexible work schedule encourages commuters to shift their departure times.



Keywords
Behavior; Incentives; Morning peak; Commute; Beijing Subway System; Flexibility



Abstract
This study examines the impact of incentives on commuters’ travel behavior based upon a questionnaire survey conducted with respect to the Beijing Subway System. Overall, we find that offering incentives to commuters, particularly fast food restaurant-related services and reduced ticket fares, has a positive influence on avoiding the morning rush hour. Furthermore, by using an interaction analysis, we discover that a flexible work schedule has an impact on commuters’ behavior and the efficiency of the subway system. Finally, we recommend two possible policies to maximize the utility of the subway system and to reduce congestion at the peak of morning service: (1) a set of incentives that includes free wireless internet service with a coupon for breakfast and a discount on ticket fares before the morning peak and (2) the introduction of a flexible work schedule.



Article Outline
1. Introduction and background
2. Methodology and model
3. Data
4. Results and discussion
5. Concluding remarks
. Appendix A
References



Figures
   

Fig. 1.

Research framework.



Tables

Table 1. Literature review.

Table 2. Description of each incentive sector in case M, T, F, and C.

Table 3. Descriptive statistics on personal information, travel information.

Table 4. Descriptive statistics on incentive sectors.

Table 5. Multivariate probit analysis of each case: no interactions.

Table 6. Multivariate probit analysis of each case: interactions based on flexibility.