2015 Volume 11 Pages 1479-1494
Access trip characteristics to rail station are examined from two physical environments: distance and slope with a focus on the provision of public bus as a feeder. The study is based on public responses collected from a questionnaire survey distributed to major residential areas in Hidaka City, Japan. Mode use pattern, distance and gradient from home to station and to bus stop were evaluated and discussed. A sloping terrain lessened the attractiveness of walking and cycling but it is not one of the major reasons in mode selection. A 400 m is considered an acceptable walking distance to bus stop, which is suit well in this study. The acceptable walking distance from home to rail station is 2 km, which is relatively higher when compared to other findings. This is good for rail business but may inflict a challenge for public bus service as a feeder to rail stations.
