Mode Choice Behavior

Mode choice is a key aspect of travel demand modeling. The choice of travel mode is a complicated behavioral process and as such is a core focus in Travel Behavior. More detail about Mode choice modeling, as opposed to Mode Choice Behavior can be found in the Mode choice topic circle.

Factors Influencing Mode Choice

Tour-based mode choice

Use of Non-motorized modes

The Victoria Transport Institute has determined the prevalence of short trips made by automobile from the National Household Travel Survey^[1]. They found that in the U.S, 10% of trips were less than 0.5 miles, 9% of trips were more than 0.5 miles and less than one mile, and 22% of trips were more than one mile and less than 3 miles. The automobile mode share was 34% for trips less than 0.5 miles, 51% for trips 0.5 to one mile, and 88% for trips one to three miles. These summaries of the National Household Travel Survey demonstrate the large potential base for mode shifts without changing people’s destination choices.

National Survey of Bicyclist and Pedestrian Attitudes and Behaviors found that 13% of bicyclists felt threatened for their personal safety the last time they rode^[2].

Transit

Ride-sharing

References

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1. T. Litman, "Short and Sweet: Analysis of Shorter Trips Using National Personal Travel Survey Data," Victoria Transport Institute, Victoria, BC, 2012. ↩︎

2. D. M.-S. Dawn Royal, "Volume II: Findings Report National Survey of Bicyclists and Pedestrian Attitudes and Behavior," U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C., 2008. ↩︎