Abstract
This study proposes an integrated choice and latent variable model (ICLV) for commute mode choice that incorporates satisfaction of human needs and perceived functional and psychological barriers to using certain modes. The modelling framework is validated by data from a survey of commuters in the Greater Copenhagen area, which has large numbers of car users, public transport riders and bicyclists. The model results suggest that higher bicycle use is correlated to positive cycling self-concepts. Similarly, the commute choice of driving is positively correlated with car self-concepts and negatively correlated with functional difficulties in car use. Respondents with a strong focus on functional travel needs are most likely to commute using a car and least likely to use public transport. Evaluation of the effects of improving conditions for bicycles showed that the latent variables had a large influence on the potential mode shifts, highlighting that the mode choice of travellers is largely associated with mode-specific perceptions and fulfilment of travel needs rather than solely level-of-service characteristics. By analysing the mode shifts across the latent variables, further insights on the motives for travel behaviour decisions were obtained, thereby highlighting the superiority of ICLV models to simple multinomial logit models. Furthermore, the study also revealed that socio-economic variables could explain mode choice both directly and indirectly through their impact on the latent variables. This means that a given policy might have a different impact according to the present ICLV model than when estimated by traditional models.
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Notes
The Greater Copenhagen Area is defined as the commuting region, which includes the Region of Copenhagen and a few municipalities of the Region of Sealand.
The remaining 5% are other modes, such as walking.
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Acknowledgements
We thank the three anonymous reviewers for their insightful comments, and dedicating the time and effort for helping us improving the manuscript from its previous version. This research is supported by the PhD dissertation scholarship of the corresponding author financed by the Danish Metro Company, the IPTOP research project (Integrated Public Transport Optimisation and Planning) funded by Innovation Fund Denmark, and EU Cost action 1209 for Transport Equity Analysis.
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All authors contributed to this study. The behavioural framework was developed by SK. The survey design was developed by SK and JI. The data analysis and ICLV modelling was performed jointly by JI and MT with supervision and guidance by SR. The paper writing was conducted mainly by JI, MT and SK, and assisted by comments from OAN and SR.
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Ingvardson, J.B., Thorhauge, M., Kaplan, S. et al. Incorporating psychological needs in commute mode choice modelling: a hybrid choice framework. Transportation 49, 1861–1889 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11116-021-10230-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11116-021-10230-3