Survey Methodology for Estimating Patronage of High-Speed Rail in Korea

High-speed rail study needs to focus on passenger movements as a key element of the planning process. A particular challenge is obtaining comprehensive information on high-speed rail passenger movements. A national preference stated survey was conducted from October to November of 2011 to meet this challenge through direct personal interviews of travelers between Seoul and Busan (the so called Kyung-Bu corridor). Over 40 interviewers were hired and trained to conduct personal interviews at several stations along locations within Kyung-Bu Seoul and Busan corridor. A total of 4,550 travelers were interviewed, furnishing an extensive database on high-speed rail passenger movements. The methodology and procedure employed to collect the national data for Korean high-speed train KTX are described. Specific issues investigated include survey design, questionnaire and strategy. Lessons learned from the high-speed rail passenger movement study provide insights for other countries contemplating similar high-speed rail studies.