ROLE OF WAITING TIME, COMFORT, AND CONVENIENCE IN MODAL CHOICE FOR WORK TRIP

Abstract

This paper is concerned with development and use of a policy-oriented, disaggregated behavioral choice model for transportation planning problems and emphasizes impacts of changes in travel comfort, convenience, and waiting times. The econometric method chosen was logit analysis, and, in that logit model can be derived from demand or choice, we can interpret logit coefficients as trade-off values. The model is based on survey data for commuters' work trips in Stockholm metropolitan area in 1968 and 1971. It contains choice variables, socioeconomic variables, and transportation policy variables. The most important choice variable is the use of car for work, which supposedly restricts possibility for public transit use. The socioeconomic variable is income. The Transportation policy variables are travel time, travel cost, and chance of getting a seat. A dummy variable technique is applied to binary-choice approach so that stratification of choice situation for different types of transit modes within same model is possible. This allows for differences among various transit modes in relation to comfort. The survey data are subdivided into two income groups to test hypothesis that value of time and comfort depends on level of income. Results from our research are of particular interest when suggested changes in public transportation are compared with each other or with do-nothing alternative.