Subway closures and traveler alternative mode choices: an empirical investigation

Subway operational disruptions significantly affect passenger travel patterns; interestingly, limited research has been done to investigate traveler patterns following a network disruption. Using Athens, Greece, as a study area, this paper investigates passenger sensitivity to a programmed closure of the subway network using stated preference data and we explore the manner in which travelers may respond to a hypothetical programmed subway network closure. Results indicate that individuals with higher travel times derive higher utility from public transport than from a car or taxi. Findings suggest that travelers who use subway regularly would use bus in the event of a programmed closure of the subway network, while travelers who usually travel by modes other than subway, would use the car. Our research also shows that those travelers who are flexible in terms of arrival and departure times would travel by public transport during a closure. Findings also suggest that a better understanding of travel patterns can significantly benefit public transportation systems in the event of programmed subway closures.