Effective Speed: Factors That Influence the Attractiveness of Cost Effective and Sustainable Modes of Transport in Cities

Abstract

Background: People invest hours of their working day to pay for their vehicle. Is this a worthwhile use of their time? Wouldn’t public transport be a more economical solution for those on low income? Which demographic group typically chooses the most effective mode of transport? Aim: The two studies presented in this paper answer those fundamental questions based on the effective speed concept. This is calculated by dividing the distance travelled by time (i.e., minutes spent travelling and earning the money to afford it). Methodology: A digital model of the residents in Berlin is created to calculate the ‘effective speed’ for everyone. In the second study, based on a survey of residents in New York City, the best mode of transport for each respondent based on their effective speed has been identified and compared to the mode chosen. Results: The results of the Berlin case study show that the mode share for cars would be less than 6% if people choose the mode of transport with the highest effective speed. A similar picture is seen in NYC. Factors that significantly affect whether people who should use public transport, do so, include: age, gender, education, place of work or home.