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Tourist preferences for air-high-speed rail intermodal transport: Insights from a mega-city region

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  • Huan, Ning
  • Yao, Enjian
  • Xiao, Yang

Abstract

Airport clustering in mega-city regions is diversifying air-high-speed rail intermodal mobility options for long-haul tourist travel. This study analyses tourist behavioural preferences for intermodal transport, using stated preference choice observations collected from 4,522 respondents in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei megacity region of China in 2020. A hybrid choice model was developed to account for the roles of product interest, decision engagement, travel preparedness, and anxiety in intermodal travel decision-making. Key findings reveal that tourist interest in intermodal mobility positively influences their perceptions of utility regarding baggage and ticket integration services. Additionally, the degree of tourists’ engagement in intermodal decision-making has been identified as a significant predictor of behavioural outcomes. In contrast, travel preparedness and anxiety, which reflect apprehensions about time uncertainty and potential failures in air-rail connections, are significant deterrents to intermodal travel. The case study classified tourist segments to offer insights for service providers, identifying engaged and non-apprehensive tourists as the most beneficial group for intermodal mobility, with a predicted mean market share of 9.65%.

Suggested Citation

  • Huan, Ning & Yao, Enjian & Xiao, Yang, 2025. "Tourist preferences for air-high-speed rail intermodal transport: Insights from a mega-city region," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 199(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:transa:v:199:y:2025:i:c:s0965856425002034
    DOI: 10.1016/j.tra.2025.104575
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