Factors influencing car user propensity to shift to other modes and their impacts on demand for airport parking facilities

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to analyse the factors influencing car user behaviour and examine the possible impacts of public transit improvements on the demand for airport long-term parking facilities. The case of the Athens International Airport (AIA) is considered for the analysis. Design/methodology: The followed approach comprises three steps: First the related literature is reviewed and the method is presented. Then data collection is carried out through a survey questionnaire comprising a revealed preference and a stated preference part. The compiled data is processed using factor analysis. Finally, the results are assessed leading to the drawing of final conclusions. Findings: The results of the analysis enable: (a) to determine different user groups with different demand elasticities and likelihoods to shift to public transport, and (b) to conclude from the quantitative representation of the different user groups the real impact on the car parking demand. Research limitations: The analysis gives no consideration to the mix of measures that can possibly increase competitiveness of parking services such as real-time information about availability of parking space to users; online booking and discount rates for early birds, etc. Originality/value: The paper includes original work based on primary data from a field survey, similar of which has not been published for the AIA. The results are important for airport authorities to keep a balance between parking demand and supply by formulating the right marketing policies.