Train vs. airplane: Investigating the potential modal share shift and the environmental impact for a reduced train travel time from Thessaloniki to Athens

¹ School of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, PO Box 452, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
² School of Applied Arts and Sustainable Design, Hellenic Open University, 263 35, Patras, Greece

^* Corresponding author: dnalba@civil.auth.gr

Abstract

This paper investigates the impact of routing a train between Athens and Thessaloniki, completing the journey in 2.5 hours, on modal share. With high expectations for the modernization of the Greek railway system, particularly the Athens-Thessaloniki route, and recent tragic events involving the railway, this study aims to shed light on the potential effects of such an improvement. A questionnaire survey was conducted at Thessaloniki Airport “Makedonia” to gather data on travel time, ticket prices, and other factors influencing travelers’ mode choices for the Athens-Thessaloniki route. The survey included 181 participants, most of whom had an income equal to or below the average monthly income. Results revealed that if the new rail system was implemented at equal cost, 63% of respondents would choose the train over the airplane, citing long transit times, waiting time, extra costs, and luggage restrictions as primary factors favoring the train. However, 8% expressed concerns about the reliability and adherence to estimated travel times. Overall, the research concludes that, despite the recent tragedy, the modernized train system could significantly increase its modal share and offer positive environmental benefits by reducing the journey time to 2.5 hours.