Incentivizing Modal Change: Exploring Effect of Multimodal Information and Ticketing Systems for Medium and Long Distances in Europe

The past decade has been characterized by a substantial increase in transport volume. In particular, road networks have reached their limits. Increasing emissions, congestion, and accidents have signaled a need for action. Besides technological innovations and behavioral change due to regulations, incentivizing voluntary modal change is increasingly becoming important for European policy makers. The deployment of a multimodal information and ticketing system (MMITS) is considered an appropriate incentive to facilitate intermodal trips by reducing transaction costs and uncertainty (the system provides pre- and on-trip information and a booking option for one ticket for the whole intermodal trip). This study analyzed travelers’ willingness to accept such a system and the impact of the intention to use an MMITS on travelers’ modal choice, especially for medium and long distances. From a sample of six European countries, multiple regression analyses reveal high acceptance of the MMITS but a low impact on the intended behavioral change. Remarkably, for frequent car users, a reverse relationship is identified. The results give empirical proof that an MMITS has an impact on travelers with weak habits and an empirical basis for the political decision whether to promote the deployment of an MMITS.