Sustainability

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20 pages, 1726 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Factors Impacting Transport Usage of Mobility App Users in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, India

by Sanjay Gupta and Kushagra Sinha

Sustainability 2022, 14(21), 13768; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142113768 - 24 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2047

Smartphone-based mobility apps have created a smartphone-enabled ecosystem of mobility services in developed countries and are slowly picking up pace in the Global South. Against this backdrop, this study used Latent Class Cluster Analysis to empirically investigate the impacts of mobility apps on [...] Read more.

Smartphone-based mobility apps have created a smartphone-enabled ecosystem of mobility services in developed countries and are slowly picking up pace in the Global South. Against this backdrop, this study used Latent Class Cluster Analysis to empirically investigate the impacts of mobility apps on transport usage patterns in Delhi by classifying users into three latent clusters based on socioeconomic characteristics, smartphone app usage, attitudes, and transport usage. Cluster 1 consisted of users with low app usage, and higher usage of public transport and intermediate public transport; Cluster 2 consisted of multimodal users with high app usage; and Cluster 3 consisted of users with moderate app usage and heavy reliance on private vehicles. Furthermore, the detailed characteristics of each latent class and factors affecting the individual’s probability of being classified into these clusters are discussed. It was found that younger users with higher education, more smartphone experience, medium-to-high household income and lower vehicle ownership had a very high probability of being classified as a multimodal traveler. Furthermore, the attitudes and preferences of users belonging to these clusters towards their choice of transport are discussed, along with a brief policy discussion for encouraging new app-based mobility services such as MaaS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Perspectives on Transportation Mode Choice Decisions)

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19 pages, 1745 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pathways to Alternative Transport Mode Choices among University Students and Staff—Commuting to the University of Maribor since 2010

by Branka Trček and Beno Mesarec

Sustainability 2022, 14(18), 11336; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141811336 - 09 Sep 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1563

Abstract

The study of commuting behavior at the University of Maribor (UM) was the subject of our research, which focused on the building complex of the four technical faculties (BCTF) and was based on the analysis of two questionnaire surveys (with 1057 and 462 [...] Read more.

The study of commuting behavior at the University of Maribor (UM) was the subject of our research, which focused on the building complex of the four technical faculties (BCTF) and was based on the analysis of two questionnaire surveys (with 1057 and 462 respondents, respectively) and the transport policies implemented at the study site from 2010 to 2020. The research aimed to identify the factors influencing student and staff mode choice/shift over a decade period and to understand the weaknesses, strengths, and opportunities for improving sustainable mobility at the university. Since 2010, active commuting has predominated among students, while car use has decreased by 22%. Female students were 16% more likely to walk than their peers, while male students were 5% and 12% more likely to use bicycles and cars, respectively. Active commuting and car use by staff have not changed since 2010, and there was an insignificant difference between genders, 63% of whom used cars. Mode shifts were primarily related to trip origins, subsidization of bus use, availability or unavailability of free parking, and parking fees. Questionnaire responses were a powerful tool for finding the most effective interventions to manage transport at universities. The results also suggest that transport policies can be more effective if they are planned in coordination with housing policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Perspectives on Transportation Mode Choice Decisions)

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28 pages, 5628 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gender Difference in Perception of Value of Travel Time and Travel Mode Choice Behavior in Eight European Countries

by Ghadir Pourhashem, Eva Malichová, Terezia Piscová and Tatiana Kováčiková

Sustainability 2022, 14(16), 10426; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141610426 - 22 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3409

Abstract

Women and men often do not experience equal mobility opportunities in their societies. Increasingly, gender is being recognized to play a significant role in transport planning, particularly for addressing individual mobility needs in urban and rural areas. By understanding the link between male [...] Read more.

Women and men often do not experience equal mobility opportunities in their societies. Increasingly, gender is being recognized to play a significant role in transport planning, particularly for addressing individual mobility needs in urban and rural areas. By understanding the link between male and female travelers’ preferences, perceived values, and travel behavior, as well as experienced barriers, transport systems could be better tailored to women’s activities and mobility needs by putting the women’s perspective on center stage. Therefore, the objective of this paper is twofold: (1) to perform an in-depth analysis of women’s and men’s travel behavior to scrutinize the difference in perception of the value of travel time derived from travel experience using various transport modes and (2) to identify the significant factors influencing men and women’s travel behavior in terms of transport mode choice. The empirical analysis is based on a multinomial regression model of 1406 female travelers and 1486 male travelers in eight European countries. In regard to the subjective values associated with users’ perception of travel time worthwhileness, this research implies that the perception of enjoyable travel time and the perceived mood from the travel experience would increase the tendency of ridesharing and using private motorized modes of transport as a passenger among women. Results also demonstrate that women have a higher perception of the worthwhileness of travel time for walking compared to men using bicycle and micro-mobility systems and private motorized vehicles as a driver. Regarding public transport, a significant difference in the perceived worthwhileness of travel time between female and male users of public transport in the European urban areas was also discovered. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Perspectives on Transportation Mode Choice Decisions)

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12 pages, 2174 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Impacts of Autonomous Vehicles’ Market Penetration on a Complex Urban Freeway during Autonomous Vehicles’ Transition Period

by Mohammad A. R. Abdeen, Ansar Yasar, Mohamed Benaida, Tarek Sheltami, Dimitrios Zavantis and Youssef El-Hansali

Sustainability 2022, 14(16), 10094; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141610094 - 15 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1792

Abstract

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) have been a rapidly emerging phenomenon in recent years, with some automated features already available in vehicles. AVs are expected to potentially revolutionize the existing inefficient state of urban transportation and be a step closer to environmental sustainability. This study [...] Read more.

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) have been a rapidly emerging phenomenon in recent years, with some automated features already available in vehicles. AVs are expected to potentially revolutionize the existing inefficient state of urban transportation and be a step closer to environmental sustainability. This study focuses on simulation modeling in assessing the potential effects of autonomous vehicles (AVs) and on mobility and safety by developing a framework model based on traffic microsimulation for a real network located in Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia. The market penetration rates (MPRs) will not reach 100% in the near future; instead, penetration will progressively increase. As a result, in our study, we investigated the potential effect of AV technology in five different AV market penetration rates: 0% (baseline), 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. The results suggest that Avs significantly improve the network’s safety and operational performance at high penetration rates. Specifically, estimated vehicle delays decreased by 26%, 34.4%, 63.7%, and 74.2% for 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% AV penetration rates, respectively. Finally, we think this study will help decisionmakers over in the long-term in their attempts to achieve sustainable development through the optimal integration of innovative and novel technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Perspectives on Transportation Mode Choice Decisions)

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18 pages, 3926 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling the Impact of Weather and Context Data on Transport Mode Choices: A Case Study of GPS Trajectories from Beijing

by Timothy Otim, Leandro Dörfer, Dina Bousdar Ahmed and Estefania Munoz Diaz

Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6042; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106042 - 16 May 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1742

Abstract

Over the years, researchers have been studying the effects of weather and context data on transport mode choices. Existing research studies are predominantly designed around travel surveys, but the accuracy of their findings relies on how travelers give accurate and honest answers. The [...] Read more.

Over the years, researchers have been studying the effects of weather and context data on transport mode choices. Existing research studies are predominantly designed around travel surveys, but the accuracy of their findings relies on how travelers give accurate and honest answers. The proliferation of smartphones, however, now offers the possibility of utilizing GPS positioning data as an alternative information source, opening the potential to accurately model and better understand factors which influence transport mode choices, compared to travel surveys. The objective of this work is to develop a model to predict the transport mode choices based on GPS trajectories, weather and context data. We use 2671 GPS trajectories from the Geolife GPS trajectories dataset, weather data, such as temperature and air quality, and context data, such as rush hour, day/night time and onetime events, such as the Olympics. In the statistical analysis, we apply both descriptive and statistical models, such as the multinomial logit and probit models. We find that temperature has the most prominent effect among weather conditions. For instance, for temperatures greater than 25 °C, the walking share increases by 27%, and the bike share reduces by 21%, which is line with the results from several survey-based studies. In addition, the evidence of government policy on transport regulation is revealed when the air quality becomes hazardous, as people are encouraged to use environmentally friendly transport mode choices, such as the bike instead of the bus or car, which are known CO₂ emitters. Our conclusion is that GPS trajectories can be used as a means to model passenger behavior, e.g. the choice of transport mode, in a quantitative way, which will support transport mode operators and policy makers in their efforts to design and plan the transport mode infrastructure to best suit the passengers’ needs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Perspectives on Transportation Mode Choice Decisions)

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15 pages, 612 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Designing Better Public Transport: Understanding Mode Choice Preferences Following the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Arun Ulahannan and Stewart Birrell

Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 5952; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14105952 - 13 May 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2891

Abstract

Transport behaviour has evidently changed following the COVID-19 pandemic, with lower usage across multiple modes of public transport and an increasing use of private vehicles. This is problematic as private vehicle use has been linked to an increase in traffic-related air pollutants, and [...] Read more.

Transport behaviour has evidently changed following the COVID-19 pandemic, with lower usage across multiple modes of public transport and an increasing use of private vehicles. This is problematic as private vehicle use has been linked to an increase in traffic-related air pollutants, and consequently global warming and health-related issues. Hence, it is important to capture transport mode choice preferences following the pandemic, so that potential service changes can be made to address the lower usage. In total, 1138 respondents took part in an online discrete choice experiment methodology to quantify the utility of public transport service attributes in decision making around the choice of public transport. The data resulted in the development of three models using a multinomial logit model in R. For respondents on personal or commuting journeys, the mode of transport had no effect on utility. Results found that fare cost was the most important factor driving transport mode preference, when a range of choices were available. Following this, keeping fare cost consistent, faster journey times were preferred to stronger access to transport (i.e., through the provision of more bus stops/stations). The provision of operational relevant information to the journey was only significantly valued by commuters and travellers who could claim their journey as a business expense. Finally, when cost became less relevant (i.e., for travellers on expensed journeys), there was a significantly strong preference for taxi and road vehicle transport over all other transport modes. The results from this empirical research are discussed and the implications of recent transport policy are discussed, and recommendations of public transport service design are made. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Perspectives on Transportation Mode Choice Decisions)

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17 pages, 588 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Choices of Potential Car Buyers Regarding Alternative Fuel Vehicles in South Korea: A Discrete Choice Modeling Approach

by Zulfiqar Ali Lashari, Joonho Ko, Seunghyun Jung and Sungtaek Choi

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5360; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095360 - 29 Apr 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1867

Abstract

This study analyzes consumer preferences in South Korea for alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), including battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs), instead of conventional fuel vehicles. A survey targeting 1500 potential car buyers in three years was conducted wherein the [...] Read more.

This study analyzes consumer preferences in South Korea for alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), including battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs), instead of conventional fuel vehicles. A survey targeting 1500 potential car buyers in three years was conducted wherein the subjects stated their preferences depending on the varying conditions of AFV attributes and charger accessibility. Cluster-based multinomial logit and mixed logit models were developed to identify influential factors affecting consumer preferences. The models incorporated the sociodemographic characteristics of users, attitudinal perceptions, and vehicle attributes to capture their interactive impacts. The results of the estimated models suggest that a reduction in purchase price can substantially boost AFV sales, particularly those of HFCVs, with a direct elasticity of 1.78. Additionally, the models demonstrated that attitudinal perceptions, such as perceived environmental and economic benefits are significant factors. Moreover, potential car buyers who plan to buy one vehicle within one year showed the least preference for purchasing BEVs, indicating the importance of technology maturity in the BEV market. These findings can provide reasonable guidelines for establishing marketing strategies and stronger support to achieve the targeted market penetration of AFVs in a city or country. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Perspectives on Transportation Mode Choice Decisions)

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19 pages, 2381 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Why Do Students Choose Buses over Private Motorcycles and Motorcycle-Based Ride-Sourcing? A Hybrid Choice Approach

by Risdiyanto Risdiyanto, Ahmad Munawar, Muhammad Zudhy Irawan, Miftahul Fauziah and Prawira Fajarindra Belgiawan

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 4959; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14094959 - 20 Apr 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3583

Abstract

Improving public transport (PT) services is critical to maintaining resilient and sustainable transportation. While the investment in PT (i.e., buses) has not been able to shift private vehicle users, especially motorcyclists, to buses, the emergence of motorcycle-based ride-sourcing (MBRS) has become a popular [...] Read more.

Improving public transport (PT) services is critical to maintaining resilient and sustainable transportation. While the investment in PT (i.e., buses) has not been able to shift private vehicle users, especially motorcyclists, to buses, the emergence of motorcycle-based ride-sourcing (MBRS) has become a popular travel mode that threatens the existing bus demand. Due to this, this study aimed to investigate the factors affecting the choice of buses over private motorcycles and MBRS among high school and university students in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, through the hybrid choice model. The explored variables include sociodemographic characteristics, travel time, travel cost, and latent variables of travel mode perceptions. By involving 527 respondents, the analysis showed that travel time, travel cost, and sociodemographic factors, including education level, income, and motorcycle ownership, significantly impacted travel mode choices. The findings also revealed that convenience causes buses to be the chosen transport means among students, while lifestyle generates students to choose MBRS services. Based on findings, this study proposed some policies to increase bus demand, especially related to the identified convenience factors and travel time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Perspectives on Transportation Mode Choice Decisions)

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14 pages, 542 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Consumers’ Intention to Purchase Electric Vehicles: Influences of User Attitude and Perception

by Zulfiqar Ali Lashari, Joonho Ko and Junseok Jang

Sustainability 2021, 13(12), 6778; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126778 - 15 Jun 2021

Cited by 45 | Viewed by 13525

Abstract

Electric vehicles (EVs) have been developed as an efficient solution to reduce automobile emissions. To ensure the effective diffusion of EVs in current transport systems, it is vital to understand the factors affecting consumers’ intentions to purchase EVs. To provide insights for this [...] Read more.

Electric vehicles (EVs) have been developed as an efficient solution to reduce automobile emissions. To ensure the effective diffusion of EVs in current transport systems, it is vital to understand the factors affecting consumers’ intentions to purchase EVs. To provide insights for this understanding, this study aims to investigate such factors with a particular focus on users’ attitudes and perceptions. A questionnaire survey was conducted in September 2019 among potential consumers in the major cities of South Korea. A total of 1500 valid survey responses were obtained, and investigations using binary logistic regression and regression tree were conducted for an empirical analysis. The results showed that among attitudinal attributes, environmental and economic perceptions concerning EV use were the strongest predictors for an EV purchase. In addition, technological concerns were found to have negative impacts on EV purchase intentions. The findings of this study could provide reasonable guidelines for establishing marketing strategies and serve as a reference for EV stakeholders to improve the applicability of current policies regarding EV adoption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Perspectives on Transportation Mode Choice Decisions)

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16 pages, 5872 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mode Choice Change under Environmental Constraints in the Combined Modal Split and Traffic Assignment Model

by Seungkyu Ryu

Sustainability 2021, 13(7), 3780; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13073780 - 29 Mar 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1866

Abstract

With the increasing level of air pollution and fine dust, many countries are trying to prevent further environmental damage, with various government legislations, such as the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. In the transportation field, a variety of environmental protection schemes are [...] Read more.

With the increasing level of air pollution and fine dust, many countries are trying to prevent further environmental damage, with various government legislations, such as the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. In the transportation field, a variety of environmental protection schemes are also being considered (e.g., banning old diesel vehicles, alternate no-driving systems, electric car subsidies, and environmental cost charging by tax). Imposing environmental constraints is a good approach to reflect various environmental protections. The objective of this research was to analyze the mode-choice and route-choice changes based on imposing environmental constraints. For the objective, a combined modal split and traffic assignment (CMA) model with an environmental constraint model was developed. For the environmental constraint, carbon monoxide (CO) was adopted, because most of the CO emissions in the air are emitted by motorized vehicles. After a detailed description of the model, the validity and some properties of the model and algorithm are demonstrated with two numerical examples (e.g., a small and a real network in the city of Winnipeg, Canada). From the numerical results, we can observe that imposing the small restriction (or strict) value has more efficiency in mode change and reducing network emission. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Perspectives on Transportation Mode Choice Decisions)

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16 pages, 3190 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Mobility Policy Analysis Using Hybrid Choice Models: Is It the Right Choice?

by Gustavo García-Melero, Rubén Sainz-González, Pablo Coto-Millán and Alejandra Valencia-Vásquez

Sustainability 2021, 13(5), 2993; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13052993 - 09 Mar 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2557

Abstract

In recent years, sustainable mobility policy analysis has used Hybrid Choice Models (HCM) by incorporating latent variables in the mode choice models. However, the impact on policy analysis outcomes has not yet been determined with certainty. This paper aims to measure the effect [...] Read more.

In recent years, sustainable mobility policy analysis has used Hybrid Choice Models (HCM) by incorporating latent variables in the mode choice models. However, the impact on policy analysis outcomes has not yet been determined with certainty. This paper aims to measure the effect of HCM on sustainable mobility policy analysis compared to traditional models without latent variables. To this end, we performed mode choice research in the city of Santander, Spain. We identified two latent variables—Safety and Comfort—and incorporated them as explanatory variables in the HCM. Later, we conducted a sensitivity study for sustainable mobility policy analysis by simulating different policy scenarios. We found that the HCM amplified the impact of sustainable mobility policies on the modal shares, and provided an excessive reaction in the individuals’ travel behavior. Thus, the HCM overrated the impact of sustainable mobility policies on the modal switch. Likewise, for all of the mode choice models, policies that promoted public transportation were more effective in increasing bus modal shares than those that penalized private vehicles. In short, we concluded that sustainable mobility policy analysis should use HCM prudently, and should not set them as the best models beforehand. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Perspectives on Transportation Mode Choice Decisions)

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16 pages, 1370 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship between Land Use Mix and Walking Choice in High-Density Cities: A Review of Walking in Seoul, South Korea

by Eun Yeong Seong, Nam Hwi Lee and Chang Gyu Choi

Sustainability 2021, 13(2), 810; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13020810 - 15 Jan 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3099

Abstract

This study confirmed the general belief of urban planners that mixed land use promotes walking in Seoul, a metropolis in East Asia, by analyzing the effect of mixed land use on the travel mode choice of housewives and unemployed people who make non-commuting [...] Read more.

This study confirmed the general belief of urban planners that mixed land use promotes walking in Seoul, a metropolis in East Asia, by analyzing the effect of mixed land use on the travel mode choice of housewives and unemployed people who make non-commuting trips on weekdays. Using binomial logistic regression of commuting data, it was found that the more mixed a neighborhood environment’s uses are, the more the pedestrians prefer to walk rather than drive. The nonlinear relationship between the land use mix index and the choice to walk was also confirmed. Although mixed land use in neighborhoods increased the probability of residents choosing walking over using cars, when the degree of complexity increased above a certain level, the opposite effect was observed. As the density of commercial areas increased, the probability of selecting walking increased. In addition to locational characteristics, income and housing type were also major factors affecting the choice to walk; i.e., when the residents’ neighborhood environment was controlled for higher income and living in an apartment rather than multi-family or single-family housing, they were more likely to choose driving over walking. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Perspectives on Transportation Mode Choice Decisions)

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19 pages, 3181 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Deep Neural Network Design for Modeling Individual-Level Travel Mode Choice Behavior

by Daisik Nam and Jaewoo Cho

Sustainability 2020, 12(18), 7481; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12187481 - 11 Sep 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2367

Abstract

Individual-level modeling is an essential requirement for effective deployment of smart urban mobility applications. Mode choice behavior is also a core feature in transportation planning models, which are used for analyzing future policies and sustainable plans such as greenhouse gas emissions reduction plans. [...] Read more.

Individual-level modeling is an essential requirement for effective deployment of smart urban mobility applications. Mode choice behavior is also a core feature in transportation planning models, which are used for analyzing future policies and sustainable plans such as greenhouse gas emissions reduction plans. Specifically, an agent-based model requires an individual level choice behavior, mode choice being one such example. However, traditional utility-based discrete choice models, such as logit models, are limited to aggregated behavior analysis. This paper develops a model employing a deep neural network structure that is applicable to the travel mode choice problem. This paper uses deep learning algorithms to highlight an individual-level mode choice behavior model, which leads us to take into account the inherent characteristics of choice models that all individuals have different choice options, an aspect not considered in the neural network models of the past that have led to poorer performance. Comparative analysis with existing behavior models indicates that the proposed model outperforms traditional discrete choice models in terms of prediction accuracy for both individual and aggregated behavior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Perspectives on Transportation Mode Choice Decisions)

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