Analysis of the impact of changes in transfer times and fares with the Tsuruga Extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line

Abstract

The Hokuriku Shinkansen line extension between Kanazawa and Tsuruga opened on Saturday, March 16, 2024. The time-saving effect of the Tsuruga extension is expected to significantly increase the number of people in the Hokuriku region who travel to and from other regions. However, there is a concern that the opening of Tsuruga Station will reduce the convenience of travel to and from the Kansai and Chukyo regions, as passengers will have to change trains at Tsuruga Station. In this study, we conducted a questionnaire survey of Kanazawa citizens in Ishikawa Prefecture prior to the opening of Tsuruga Station and analyzed the effects on users of the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line of the change in transfer times and fares resulting from the opening of Tsuruga Station. The study revealed that changes in transfer time are affected by age, annual income, frequency of travel to the Kansai region, and resistance to travel to the Kansai region. It was also found that the change in fare was affected by the frequency of travel to the Kansai region and the sense of resistance to travel to the Kansai region.