9.3. Factors Influencing the Choice of Mode

The following features are found to be important:

(a) car availability and/or ownership;

(b) possession of a driving license;

(c) household structure (young couple, couple with children, retired people etc.);

(d) income;

(e) decisions made elsewhere, for example the need to use a car at work, take children to school, etc;

(f) residential density.

The first set of factors influencing mode choice relates to the trip maker's characteristics. These include personal factors like whether they own a car or hold a driving license, as these directly impact their ability to choose a particular mode of transportation. For instance, if a person owns a car and has a license, they are more likely to drive rather than take public transport. Additionally, the details of their household structure are significant; different household types, such as families with children versus single individuals, will have different transportation needs. Income affects transportation choices by determining what type of transport a person can afford, while decisions made in other contexts, like the need to drive to work or school, can influence mode choice as well. Lastly, residential density can imply how accessible public transport options are—people living in densely populated areas are more likely to use public transport.

Consider a young professional living in a busy urban area versus a family living in the suburbs. The young professional might rely on public transportation because they don't own a car, have a steady income, and find it convenient to take the subway or bus. In contrast, the suburban family may prioritize owning multiple cars because they need to drive children to school and activities, reflecting how various personal and situational factors drastically influence choices.

Mode choice is strongly influenced by:

(a) The trip purpose; for example, the journey to work is normally easier to undertake by public transport than other journeys because of its regularity and the adjustment possible in the long run;

(b) Time of the day when the journey is undertaken.

(c) Late trips are more difficult to accommodate by public transport.

The second group of factors relates to the journey itself. The purpose of the trip matters significantly; for example, commuting to work is often more feasible with public transport due to its scheduled reliability. People tend to plan their commutes around public transport schedules, which reflect societal norms of regular working hours. Furthermore, the time of day can also alter mode choice, as peak hours may make public transit overcrowded and less appealing, whereas late-night travel might present challenges with limited services. Hence, the nature of the journey is critical in determining how individuals choose to travel.

Imagine a college student who has classes at fixed times throughout the day. They are more likely to use public transportation, which has a consistent schedule aligning with their class times. Meanwhile, if the same student needs to go out late at night, they might choose a taxi or rideshare service because public transit options may be limited, highlighting how the journey's characteristics shape mode selection.

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

Qualitative factors which are less easy to measure are:

(a) comfort and convenience

(b) reliability and regularity

(c) protection, security

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

The last category pertains to the transport facilities available. Quantitative factors, like travel times and costs, are straightforward to measure. For example, if the travel time for public transport is significantly longer than driving a car, or if the monetary costs for public transport are higher, people may prefer to drive. Moreover, the availability of parking and its associated costs further influence the decision. However, qualitative factors introduce more subjective assessments. Comfort, convenience, and security are crucial for many travelers; for instance, a well-maintained bus may be preferred over a cramped subway if it offers a more comfortable experience, even if it takes slightly longer. Therefore, both quantitative and qualitative aspects should be considered in mode choice decisions.

Think about choosing to travel to work. If you can take a bus that costs less and takes a similar time as driving, you might consider it. However, if that bus is crowded and not very clean, you might prefer the comfort of your own car, even if it costs more to drive. This illustrates how both measurable factors, like cost and time, and unmeasurable feelings, like comfort and security, play important roles in our travel decisions.

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