Use of mobile phone data for analysis of number of train travellers

Abstract

Several studies have pointed to the difficulties of obtaining good data on train ridership. There are at least two challenges regarding these data. First, train operators consider such data confidential business information, especially in high resolution. Second, the data that actually are available vary in quality and coverage. We study mobile phone data as an alternative measure to obtain data about train ridership. We have obtained data from selected mobile phone base stations and compare these data with timetable data and APC. The selected base stations are located so that it is likely that a large share of the mobile phone traffic is generated by train passengers. We find that the number of units connected to a base station corresponds relatively well with the planned passing of trains close to the base stations. We discuss preliminary results as well as methodological and technical challenges with such an approach to estimating the number of train travellers compared to other established methods. To make sure that we do not violate privacy concerns, the data used in the study have been approved by privacy representatives. The data are the number of units that are connected to the different base stations from one telecom operator.