Aspects of commuting behavior: Preferred arrival time, use of information and switching propensity

Abstract

This paper analyzes the results of a commuter behavior survey conducted in Austin, TX. Commuters' preferred arrival times at the workplace, use of traffic information and switching propensity (for both route and departure time) are discussed. Mathematical models are developed for each of these aspects relating them to three types of factors: traffic system characteristics, workplace conditions and individual attributes. The preferred arrival time at the workplace is modeled as a Poisson regression model, use of information as a binary logit function and switching decision as multinomial logit choice models. Comparisons are drawn between this sample and similar studies conducted in Seattle, WA.