Challenges in Behaviour Modelling of Mode Choice Model - A Peek into Indian Scenario

Abstract

Mode choice model is one of the crucial steps in the process for Transportation demand modelling. It fore-tell the share of trips attracted to public transportation. Mode choice models compacts very closely with the human choice making behaviour and this continues to attract researchers for further exploration of individual choice making process. The objective of this paper is to observe keenly on the challenges that a modeller will face in Indian scenario. A variety of models are available for prediction. But with the close review it is observed that all these models work either at aggregate level or disaggregate level which works on certain assumptions. This is definitely not going to reflect the actual mode choice behaviour. The particular characters that makes a difference from the world scenario discussed in this paper are diversity in decision making of individual, diversity in socio-economic characteristics, pride and prejudices in mindset that affect the false representation of data, concept of ridesharing and the inhibition in acceptance of the same, travel distance and mode availability in urban and rural scenario. It can be concluded that selecting a model that depict the true nature of commuter is a challenging process. The well-known models available can be trained and calibrated to suit to the need of Indian scenario. Use of machine learning and data mining could be a very useful tool in this model building as all the required changes can be incorporated efficiently