The happy commuter: A comparison of commuter satisfaction across modes
Understanding satisfaction across different modes of transportation is essential to encourage the use of active modes of transport as well as public transportation. This study uses a large-scale travel survey to compare commuter satisfaction across six modes of transportation (walking, bicycle, automobile, bus, metro, commuter train) and investigates how the determinants of commuter satisfaction differ across modes. The framework guiding this research assumes that external and internal factors influence satisfaction: personal, social, and attitudinal variables must be considered in addition to objective trip characteristics. Using ordinary least square regression technique, the authors develop six mode-specific models of trip satisfaction that include the same independent variables (trip and travel characteristics, personal characteristics, and travel and mode preferences). They find that pedestrians, train commuters and cyclists are significantly more satisfied than drivers, metro and bus users. They also establish that determinants of satisfaction vary considerably by mode, with modes that are more affected by external factors generally displaying lower levels of satisfaction. Mode preference (need/desire to use other modes) affects satisfaction, particularly for transit users. Perceptions that the commute has value other than arriving at a destination significantly increases satisfaction for all modes. Findings from this study provide a better understanding of determinants of trip satisfaction to transport professionals who are interested in this topic and working on increasing satisfaction among different mode users.
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Supplemental Notes:
- This paper was sponsored by TRB committee ADB10 Traveler Behavior and Values. Alternate title: The Happy Commuter: Comparison of Commuter Satisfaction Across Modes.
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Corporate Authors:
500 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC United States 20001 -
Authors:
- St-Louis, Evelyne
- Manaugh, Kevin
- van Lierop, Dea
- El-Geneidy, Ahmed
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Conference:
- Transportation Research Board 93rd Annual Meeting
- Location: Washington DC
- Date: 2014-1-12 to 2014-1-16
- Date: 2014
Language
- English
Media Info
- Media Type: Digital/other
- Features: Figures; References; Tables;
- Pagination: 19p
- Monograph Title: TRB 93rd Annual Meeting Compendium of Papers
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Commuters; Commuting; Consumer preferences; Customer satisfaction; Mode choice; Quality of life; Social factors; Travel surveys
- Geographic Terms: Montreal (Canada)
- Subject Areas: Passenger Transportation; Planning and Forecasting; Society; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01506572
- Record Type: Publication
- Report/Paper Numbers: 14-1725
- Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
- Created Date: Feb 5 2014 9:48AM