Citation

Cohen AJ, Harris NG. J. Transp. Geogr. 1998; 6(1): 43-51.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/S0966-6923(97)00038-0

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Trips made to visit friends and relatives (VFR) are an under-studied area. However, they are important as they have different characteristics from other trip types, and constitute 15% of all trips made in Britain. This paper analyses a sample of VFR trips, comparing rail and road times and costs. It demonstrates that economic reasons largely explain mode choice, qualitative reasons for using private transport are often secondary. Deficiencies in the rail network are highlighted, as results vary spatially. Car use is again demonstrated to be based on marginal costs, and to undercut public transport. Other variables underlying mode choice are discussed, and a range of suggestions made to achieve desired changes.