The objective of this study is to analyze whether or not there is evidence indicating a significant preference for rail travel over bus, and, if such a preference exists, to learn about the characteristics that affect it and cause it to vary from one situation to another. After a brief review of existing literature, models of choice among alternative travel modes are estimated using revealed preference data and stated preference data. The main conclusion of the study is that there is no evident preference for rail travel over bus when quantifiable service characteristics such as travel time and cost are equal, but a bias does arise when rail travel offers a higher quality service. The investigation of the impact of different service characteristics using more advanced demand estimation techniques is suggested as a topic for future research.
