Investigating the Determinants of Mode Choice for Demand-Responsive Transportation in Car-Dependent Peri-Urban Areas
Summary
Traditional public transit is often inefficient to operate in peri-urban areas due to their low population density. As a result, these areas are often deeply car-dependent. Demand-Responsive Transportation (DRT) has been proposed as a car alternative in peri-urban areas. DRT combines the pooled rides of public transit with the flexibility of a taxi, making it theoretically more efficient than traditional transit in peri-urban areas. However, DRT systems fail regularly in practice because they are not tailored to the preferences of their users. This study investigates trip- and individual-level determinants of DRT uptake among peri-urban drivers. A stated preference survey was conducted asking drivers in Dublin’s commuter belt about their intentions to use a hypothetical DRT offering. The results indicate that drivers show intention to use DRT for commuting and leisure trips, but usually only at trip distances of at least 10 km. Regression models were developed to measure the impact of both socio-demographic and social-psychological characteristics on DRT intentions. In addition, a measure of individual car dependency was developed using latent class analysis, and regression models were also used to determine the level of constraint on DRT intentions imposed by car dependency. Ultimately, these findings broaden what is known about the trip- and individual-level determinants of DRT intentions among drivers, in particular highlighting the role of social-psychological factors.