Success factors in the introduction of an intermodal passenger transportation system connecting high-speed rail with intercity bus services

This study analyzes the success factors of the introduction of an intermodal intercity passenger transportation system in the Kyusyu region, Japan, in March 2011. This system, called "B&S Miyazaki," integrates an intercity bus service with a high-speed rail service connecting the cities of Miyazaki and Fukuoka. B&S Miyazaki has successfully captured induced intercity travel demand without causing the existing travel modes to lose their ridership. Starting with interviews with major stakeholders, the introduction process for the new system was analyzed in three stages. The results of the analysis unveiled five success factors: (1) the acceptance of a new intermodal system in the intercity transportation market from both users and suppliers; (2) clear incentives for cooperation among stakeholders with expected benefits from asset-sharing and joint marketing activities; (3) an excellent intermodal service package including the short transfer distance, a unified ticketing system, an integrated timetable and schedule adjustment, special discounting, and the coordinated design of train/bus bodies; (4) a win-win solution for the shortcomings of the existing travel modes; and (5) a learning process about the effects for existing operators with flexible operator strategy adjustments.