Travel Choices and Links to Transportation Demand Management

Abstract

This study examined the transportation choices of individuals in a large campus setting at the Ohio State University, Columbus. A web-based survey was conducted to understand the travel patterns of the campus community and to inform recommendations to reduce single-occupancy vehicle travel there. Mode choice and the most important factors that affected it were the focus of the survey. The survey included questions about respondent attitudes toward auto use and the factors that would encourage them to carpool and take transit to campus. Discrete choice models were estimated to analyze commuter mode choices to travel to campus. The results showed that proximity to bicycle lanes and trails and bus stops increased the propensity to choose these modes. Students were more likely to travel by alternative modes than faculty and staff members. Individuals concerned about travel time, flexibility of departure time, safety, and the ability to stop on the way to and from campus were more likely to drive alone to campus. Strategies to increase the modal share of alternative modes are presented in the paper on the basis of the descriptive findings and the model results. This study's findings may be used by practitioners and campus transportation planners to understand better the factors that cause people not to choose alternative transportation modes and to evaluate transportation improvements to be considered for implementation.