Dynamic Structure of Fares for High Speed Rail Services

Abstract

The entering of High Speed Rail (HSR) passenger services caused competition in the market with other conventional rail services, and other transport modes. The dynamic structure of fares in the HSR services assume a crucial role in the supply of scheduled transport services and influence travelers’ choice behavior. The HSR fare structures, similarly to the air services, is characterized by evolutions and changes over time due to several factors, such as travelers’ behavior; strategies of the companies supplying the HSR services. The results reported in the paper contain a framework for analysis of the evolution of fares over time in relation to the day of ticket purchase and of the day of trip. A sample representation of a pilot case study implemented on the existing HSR line between Rome and Milan (Italy), where two HSR companies operate and compete each other, is presented.The aim of the study is to identify the characteristics fares evolution over time in the HSR market. This work is useful for support transport planners and decision-makers for the ex-ante evaluation of fare structure in terms of users’ behavior.