Most high(er) speed rail studies have focused on transit-friendly societies such as Europe and Asia, rarely reporting high(er) speed rail (HSR) traveler incentives as related to car-oriented societies. A written survey was used to gain an understanding of HSR traveler incentives, based on preferences as well as expected community impacts, of residents with the greatest accessibility to the HSR service and communities with the highest passenger ridership along the Wolverine line. Michigan was chosen as a case study, as the car has been its god father economy for over 60 years. The study found ridership would increase the most, with direct rail connections to airports, either the Detroit Metro or the Chicago O'Hare airport. The second incentive for ridership was the increase in gas prices, which superseded a traditional incentive of shortened travel time. Within Michigan, traditional rail incentives were not strong motivators for increased ridership. Despite the importance of all incentives, a significant number of respondents said that no matter what incentive was provided, they would not ride more. This increases the need for disincentives of other modes of travel, or signifies that other incentives should be considered. This study informs HSR traveler incentives in order for decision makers to make lasting improvements on ridership, allowing states and communities to capitalize on rail investments for the long-term.
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