Identifying the relationship between intention to use flat-rate public transport and trip frequency by a discrete-continuous model

Public transport fare is a central feature of transit operations and is a key indicator to reflect transport demand. Yet, relatively little is known about how fare influences on ridership dynamics, including for which types of fare incentives, who accepts it, and how passengers’ travel patterns are changed. This information is particularly important considering concerns about a decline of public transport ridership due to the aging population and pandemic. In this paper, we employ a flat-rate public transport fare as an urgent measure to revive the demand for public transport in rural areas of Japan. A discrete-continuous model is applied to describe the relationship between the intention to use flat-rate public transport and trip frequency. A stated preference survey was conducted with citizens living near the station and bus stops in Kochi Prefecture. This study contributes to the literature by providing firsthand insights about how demand for flat-rate public transport fares is formed and how different policy implications can be made accordingly. The results indicate that a flat-rate fare has proven effective in increasing the frequency of use of public transportation, which will lead to the revitalization of the public transport system. The outcome of this study is anticipated to inform and equip city authorities and operators with advanced knowledge about the benefits of flat-rate fares which can help to change fare policies in the near future.