Characterising travel behaviour patterns of transport hub station area users using mobile phone data

Understanding the travel behaviour of transport hub users is vital for improving transport services. Although previous research has explored passenger behaviour in and around transport hubs, there is a lack of comprehensive studies on travel patterns within hub station areas. To this end, this study harnessed mobile phone data to analyse the travel behaviour within a hub station area, using Beijing South Railway Station as a representative case. A series of recognition criteria was set up based on spatio-temporal information to categorize users within the station area. We categorised station area users into transport hub users (THU) and non-transport-hub users (NTHU) and examined their distinct travel patterns. The results reveal distinct travel patterns for THU and NTHU. NTHU are predominantly concentrated in and around the station area. THU, however, display longer trip distances and more widely distributed endpoints. In terms of travel time distribution, NTHU show evident morning and evening peak phenomena, while the travel time distribution of THU fluctuates throughout the day. The study also employed association rule analysis to illustrate strong connections between the station area, Beijing's core, central areas, and even urban fringe areas. The results reveal that the station area is most closely connected to the core and central areas of Beijing, from where many users are attracted to the station area. In addition, some urban fringe areas also have strong connections with the station area. These findings inform urban transport planning and personalised travel services.