Understanding preference for high-speed rail service: A consumer logistics perspective

This study uses consumer logistics theory as a framework to identify factors that will help to market high-speed rail (HSR) transportation and critically affect its usage for intercity business travel. Consumer logistics theory essentially reconceptualizes the business distribution literature related to logistics into the context of the consumer market. The resultant consumer logistics functions relate very aptly to consumer deliberation related to transportation decisions. The confirmatory factor analysis function of LISREL is used to develop a measurement model. The measurement model reveals that four consumer logistics functions are critical to U.S. consumers: Safety, Connections, On-Board Amenities, and Information. The structural equations modeling function of LISREL is then used to determine whether the logistics functions ultimately affect usage intentions. The structural model reveals that 1) two of these functions, Safety and Connections, are both positively related to travel effectiveness and efficiency, and 2) effectiveness and efficiency are both positively related to HSR usage intention. The model also shows that it is efficiency of HSR rather than effectiveness that is most strongly related to usage intentions.