FACTORS AFFECTING TRAVELER MODE CHOICE: A SYNTHESIS OF THE LITERATURE

The purpose of this study was to review the literature related to how travelers make mode choice decisions in order to identify factors that influence mode choice and determine possible ways that the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) could alter the mode split. This report does not deal with prediction or modeling of mode splits but rather provides information on what qualities are important to travelers when making mode choice decisions. The literature review revealed several factors that influence the mode choice of a specific traveler: practical availability of mode; connectivity; monetary cost; travel time; trip reliability; trip distance; trip purpose; income; age; and safety. The literature review also revealed several methods that VDOT or other agencies could use to create changes in mode split in the near term: High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) facilities; park and ride lots; transit fare changes; increased transit frequency; increased transit coverage; and changes in parking price.

• Corporate Authors:

  Virginia Transportation Research Council

  530 Edgemont Road
  Charlottesville, VA  United States  22903

  Virginia Department of Transportation

  Office of Public Affairs, 1221 East Broad Street
  Richmond, VA  United States  23219
• Authors:
  • Fontaine, M D
• Publication Date: 2003-4

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: References; Tables;
• Pagination: 51 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Age; Connectivity; Costs; Decision making; Fares; High occupancy vehicle lanes; Income; Literature reviews; Modal split; Mode choice; Park and ride; Parking; Prices; Safety; Travel time; Trip length; Trip purpose
• Uncontrolled Terms: Mode availability; Service coverage; Service frequency; Trip reliability
• Subject Areas: Finance; Highways; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; Safety and Human Factors; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00942443
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: Technical Assistance Rept
• Files: TRIS, STATEDOT
• Created Date: May 2 2003 12:00AM