Abstract: High-speed rail (HSR) is a new phenomenon in the US. This study investigated the mode choice behavior in the Los Angeles and San Francisco corridor where HSR may become a feasible option. The impact of COVID-19 was also examined with regards to how people view modes of domestic travel and how their view may change. The geographic locations of travelers and the possible HSR characteristics in the US was also explored. Survey data of US travelers was collected on MTurk, which was analyzed using logistics regression and two-way MANOVA. The results indicated that convenience in transport, travel frequency, gender, mobility issues, and total travel time were determinants in the choice between HSR and air service, while travel frequency and total travel time were important in the choice between HSR and car. Most US travelers changed their views following COVID-19 in terms of domestic travel, and exhibited a higher intention to travel by train and HSR. Geographic patterns were identified, such as people in the southern US were the most knowledgeable of HSR and had the greatest intention to use HSR, while people in the northeast exhibited the lowest intention.

Dr. Jing Yu Pan (Jane) is the Assistant Professor of the School of Graduate Studies in the College of Aviation at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Her professional background includes airline and airport management in both airlines and the International Air Transport Association. Her research interest is in the area of transportation, focusing on passenger behaviors in the transport markets and sustainable transportation.