Scientific Journal Recognizes High-Speed Rail Ridership Model

SACRAMENTO, Calif., April 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Britain's Journal of Choice Modelling – a leading peer-reviewed publication in the field – has published a major paper regarding the statewide model for forecasting ridership developed by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the California High-Speed Rail Authority.

"These integrated statewide models offer a comprehensive tool to forecast long and short distance travel in California," the Journal article noted. "The separation of travel into market segments based on distance (short and long), purpose (business, commute, recreation and other) and travel markets (inter- and intraregional) provide a robust and accurate assessment of multimodal travel at the statewide level."

"We've said from the beginning that our ridership and revenue forecasts are based on the best that science has to offer, and it's great to see that cutting-edge work recognized by one of the most prestigious publications in the field," said Dan Leavitt, Deputy Director of the California High-Speed Rail Authority.

The paper, "California Statewide Model for High-Speed Rail," authored by six modeling experts who developed the California model, notes that the forecasts recognize the unique characteristics of two different kinds of riders – those staying within one region and those traveling from one region to another.  The paper also notes the role of an independent peer review panel in guiding California's model development.

The Journal of Choice Modelling publishes theoretical and applied papers in the field of choice modeling. As a peer-reviewed journal, any paper it publishes undergoes a rigorous peer review process, with the editor inviting the opinion of at least two (and usually three) experts in the field.

The full article can be read at http://www.jocm.org.uk.

SOURCE California High-Speed Rail Authority