Value of travel time savings for children: an analysis of questionnaire surveys in Japan

The value of travel time savings (VTTS) is a critical parameter for estimating the social benefits of transport projects. However, only a few studies have focused on VTTS for children. We conducted two questionnaire surveys in Japan: a nationwide web-based survey and a mail-based survey in the regional city of Hitachinaka, where a new railway station was built in front of a school. Respondents were asked to compare VTTS for children with that for adults. In the nationwide survey, many participants stated that VTTS for children was similar to that for adults. However, in Hitachinaka, most respondents perceived VTTS for elementary school students to be higher than that for adults. Even in the nationwide survey, responses indicating that VTTS for children is ‘higher than for adults’ outnumbered those indicating it is ‘lower’ or of ‘little value’. The key reasons cited included parental concerns for safety during travel and children's higher absorptive potential. These findings suggest that current evaluations may underestimate the benefits of reducing children's travel time, potentially distorting public transportation investment decisions.