- New global study, commissioned by Hitachi Rail, finds 80% of San Franciscans back investing in public transport over driving in their city
- Over two-thirds (68%) see public transport as convenient, but personal safety and overcrowding are the biggest barriers to using it even more
- San Franciscans stand ready to switch from their cars to public transport if they could avoid overcrowding (73%)
SAN FRANCISCO, March 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Four in five San Franciscans back investing in public transport over driving, according to a new global survey commissioned by Hitachi Rail. In a boost for green travel in San Francisco, its citizens also believe that their public transport system is more convenient than driving, and with greater ability to avoid overcrowding, almost three-quarters would use it more.
The survey, carried out by SavantaComres, collected data from 12,000 people in 12 different cities around the world, including Berlin, Copenhagen, Dubai, London, Milan, Paris, San Francisco, Singapore, Sydney, Toronto, Warsaw and, Washington D.C.
High demand for public transport
San Francisco currently has the second lowest rate of regular drivers out of all 12 cities surveyed (49% vs a global average of 61%), although it has a high number of people who sometimes drive (31%). Although driving is the primary mode of transport for commuters (77%), 50% of commutes also involve public transport.
San Franciscans are clear that public transport is the easiest way to travel in their city, with 68% saying that public transport is convenient vs 40% who find driving convenient. Nonetheless, San Franciscans do also place a special emphasis on the importance of both a convenient timetable and their personal safety when choosing how they travel (both selected as important by 94%). In terms of barriers, personal safety is the most substantial barrier to using public transport followed by overcrowding.
Growing public transport usage
The research shows that 80% of San Franciscans would prioritise investment in public transport over driving and a majority (56%) back the idea of increased road charges to pay for it. The challenge for city transport planners however is how can this be most effectively used to attract passengers? Respondents clearly stated that the ability to avoid overcrowding (73%) or access the shortest journey time (80%) would encourage them to use public transport more. The objectives can partly be delivered by an enhanced travel planning app and San Franciscans also highlighted the ability to map out a full journey and the ability to get live updates on crowding levels on incoming services the two most important benefits of this technology.
For Hitachi Rail, the business is able to help deliver faster journeys and increase capacity – thereby reducing crowding – on public transport in San Francisco through its cutting edge digital signalling. For example, in 2020, Hitachi Rail was awarded a contract to replace the existing 48 year old train control system for the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART), with Hitachi’s new system for technologically controlling trains known as Communications Based Trains Control (CBTC). The CBTC system allows trains to safely operate on tighter schedules and at more closely spaced intervals, significantly increasing the lines throughput and passenger capacity. Hitachi’s CBTC system will enable BART to meet the projected demand of over 30,000 Transbay passengers per hour at peak times, while providing the highest levels of safety.
Joseph Pozza, President of Hitachi Rail, North America, said: “Our research highlights the huge demand for more green public transport in the city. San Franciscan’s are clear that public transport is more convenient than driving, and a striking four in five would like to see more investment in the city’s transport infrastructure.
“Our challenge now as a transport industry is to deliver the new green infrastructure that, for example by allowing passengers to avoid overcrowding, can encourage more people out of their cars and onto regional public transit options such as BART.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
The fieldwork for the survey was conducted by Savanta ComRes in December 2023
- Sample of approx 1000 people were surveyed in each of the following: London, Berlin, Milan, Dublin, Warsaw, Washington, San Francisco, Toronto, Paris, Singapore, Sydney, Copenhagen.
- ‘Long-distance travel’ was defined as any journey of at least 2.5 hours
- Hitachi Rail’s full report can be downloaded here: Better Connected | Hitachi Rail
About Hitachi Rail:
Hitachi Rail is connecting the future of mobility - helping every passenger, customer and community enjoy the benefits of more seamless, sustainable transport.
With innovative technology and world-leading delivery capabilities, Hitachi Rail is a trusted partner to customers and consortia partners globally. The company is an expert in every part of the railway: from train manufacturing and maintenance to digital signalling and smart mobility. Its pioneering products, such as the iconic high speed bullet train, enable billions of passenger journeys and the transport of millions of tonnes of freight, every year.
Drawing on the powerful expertise of the wider Hitachi group companies, Hitachi Rail is uniquely placed to further enhance its offer to customers through pioneering new digital solutions and services.
In FY22, Hitachi Rail had revenues of over €5bn. The company has around 15,000 employees in 38 countries, and it invests in its diverse and talented teams.
Hitachi Rail’s business is local, but its reach is global. With deep roots in its communities, the company is committed to delivering sustainable progress for all.
Find out about more by visiting hitachirail.com
Contact
Ed Brown
ed.brown@hitachirail.com
(+44) 7850071287
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e65aca68-153f-48ee-af61-f33aea3a669a
