Measuring the Benefits of Intercity Passenger Rail: A Study
Measuring the Benefits of Intercity Passenger Rail: A Study
Measuring the Benefits of Intercity Passenger Rail: A Study
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Examining <strong>the</strong> 10-year monthly average variation, several seasonal patterns are<br />
immediately evident. Ridership during months when school is not in session (May, June, July,<br />
and August) is above average, with July ridership approximately 1.5 times average levels.<br />
Ridership is also above average in March, which corresponds to traditional spring break weeks.<br />
January, February, and September appear to be <strong>the</strong> lowest-demand months while ridership during<br />
<strong>the</strong> remaining months (April, October, November, and December) is approximately average.<br />
Figure 3-8 displays <strong>the</strong> ridership variation by day <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> week for <strong>the</strong> Heartland Flyer.<br />
Note that <strong>the</strong>se data are for calendar year (CY) 2008 (January 1 to December 31). Figure 3-8<br />
displays three lines, two for each train direction (#821 and #822) and a darker line for <strong>the</strong> total<br />
ridership for both directions toge<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
Figure 3-8: Heartland Flyer Daily Ridership Variation, CY 2008<br />
Examining <strong>the</strong> variation <strong>of</strong> Heartland Flyer ridership by day <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> week, it is noted that<br />
<strong>the</strong> total ridership is highest on Saturday and lowest on Tuesday. O<strong>the</strong>r weekend days, Friday<br />
and Sunday, are also relatively high. Between <strong>the</strong> two train directions, ridership on train #821<br />
(southbound) is highest on Friday and Saturday while <strong>the</strong> ridership on train #822 peaks on<br />
Sundays. This likely reflects weekend travel on <strong>the</strong> Heartland Flyer, with departures spread<br />
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