9.3.3. Characteristics of the Transport Facility

There are two types of factors. One is quantitative and the other is qualitative. Quantitative factors are:

(a) relative travel time: in-vehicle, waiting and walking times by each mode;

(b) relative monetary costs (fares, fuel and direct costs);

(c) availability and cost of parking.

This chunk focuses on quantitative factors, which are measurable elements that influence the choice of transport mode.

1. Relative Travel Time: This includes how long it takes to travel in a vehicle, how long you wait for the transport, and how long you walk to and from stops. The total time can affect whether a person chooses one mode of transport over another.

2. Relative Monetary Costs: This involves looking at the costs associated with travelling by different modes, including fares, fuel expenses, and any additional direct costs involved in the journey.

3. Availability and Cost of Parking: The ease of finding parking and the cost associated with it can heavily influence whether someone chooses to drive versus using public transport.

Consider a scenario where a person needs to travel to work. If they can drive and park easily without cost, they might prefer driving. But if public transport is faster despite added waiting time, they may opt for that instead. For example, if the subway station is just a 5-minute walk, but parking is $20 a day, they might choose the subway to save money.

Qualitative factors which are less easy to measure are:

(a) comfort and convenience

(b) reliability and regularity

(c) protection, security.

Qualitative factors are more subjective and harder to quantify but are equally important in mode choice.

1. Comfort and Convenience: This concerns how pleasant the travel experience is. A comfortable ride with ample seating can sway a person toward public transport.

2. Reliability and Regularity: This relates to how dependable and consistent the transport service is. If a bus comes on a regular schedule and is typically on time, people are more likely to use it.

3. Protection and Security: This factor considers how safe a passenger feels while using a mode of transport. If individuals feel safe and secure when using public transportation, they are more likely to choose it over alternatives.

Imagine taking a subway versus driving. Although driving might be quicker (quantative), a person may choose the subway due to a lack of traffic and hassle (qualitative), not to mention feeling safer when in a crowded subway train compared to driving through a busy city where they might feel more vulnerable.

A good mode choice should include the most important of these factors.

It's essential to create a valid and effective mode choice model by combining both quantitative and qualitative factors. Understanding how these elements interact can lead to better planning and choices in transportation. For example, if a mode of transport is affordable and fast (quantitative), but also comfortable and safe (qualitative), it is likely to attract more users.

Think of a smartphone comparison. A phone with excellent specs (processing speed, camera quality) might attract tech-savvy users, but if it's bulky and uncomfortable to hold (comfort), many might stick with a slightly less powerful but more user-friendly device. Similarly, in transportation, a balance of cost, time, comfort, and safety will drive user decisions.

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