Assessing polycentric development in terms of trip chaining efficiency

Abstract

Polycentric urban growth with dense, diverse, and accessible centers is assumed to have multiple economic, social, and environmental benefits for the region. Yet, evidence on the benefits of polycentricity in the transportation sector remains less studied, and previous research has found mixed results. Besides, to our knowledge, none of the previous research focuses on trip chains or tours (sequence of trips that begins and ends at home) in centers. This paper investigates trip chaining efficiency in 28 U.S. regions, comparing three different types of tours, i.e., tours that are within a center, tours that are partially inside a center, and tours that are completely outside a center. I consider a tour to be efficient if it comprises travel modes other than the personal automobile. The results of parametric tests show that tours within a center are associated with higher walk, bike, and transit mode shares and lower car share. Effect sizes are larger for walk and car shares than for bike and transit shares. The findings of this research can encourage and guide planners to design environments that promote active transportation while maximizing resident access to services and amenities and minimizing their expenditure on mobility and travel time.