Ferry Pricing Strategies Analysis

摘要

The report describes the results of research on ridership response to various fare pricing strategies. The research builds on the analysis of fare elasticity conducted by the Washington State Transportation Center (TRAC) under contract with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). The basic objective of the study was to provide information from which to predict changes in revenues with changes in the fare structure. Specific recommendations for an efficient and equitable fare structure require knowledge about more than the fare elasticities. The fare structure needs to reflect policies concerning the provision of mobility to island residents, achievement of a desirable ratio of revenue to operating costs, an optimal vehicle and walk-on passenger mix, and the like. However, fare elasticities can be used to explore the implications of different polices designed to address these issues. To achieve a higher degree of certainty in the findings and to make quantitative estimates of revenue impacts of fare changes, a different approach is required than the one used in the study. Data need to be collected on a disaggregate basis. The report outlines how the research should be carried out.