A Stated Preference (SP) port choice study developed for trips between the mainland and the North Sporades islands is presented. The study takes specifically into account the peculiarity of the transport network and geographic configuration of Greece, consisting of the mainland and more than 100 inhabited islands in the Aegean region. Also the study defines the factories, which have an influence in route choice. The SP binary logit port choice models developed are suitable for testing traveller's choices between the following alternative ports: (1) Agios Konstantinos; and (2) Mantoudi. These ports serve passengers who travel from South Greece to North Sporades choice. Separate models were estimated for different purposes and for different modes of road transport. Value of times (VOTs) for different trip purposes, direct cost and travel time elasticities were calculated (road trips and sea trips). The results showed that passengers prefer the suggested coastal shipping connection (port of Mantoudi) instead of currently coastal shipping connection (port of Agios Konstantinos). This is the first study that takes into account the competitiveness between the port of Mantoudi and the port of Agios Konstantinos and draws conclusions on values of time. The results are important to researchers due to the innovative data collection and modelling methodology used, as well as to port authorities to assist them in the design transport strategies and improve the transport services offered. For the covering abstract please see ITRD E135207.
Abstract