DISTANCE DECAY EFFECTS ON PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION RIDERSHIP IN THE CONTEXT OF A METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY CAMPUS: EVIDENCE FROM THE AUTONOMOUS UNIVERSITY OF BARCELONA

Abstract

abstract Metropolitan university campuses (MUCs) are of interest for policymaking given their general highly car-oriented nature, and the subsequent need to promote policies that enhance sustainable accessibility outcomes. Hence, a growing body of research has emerged over the last decade focusing on travel behavior associated with those metropolitan enclaves. However, limited attention has been paid to distance decay effects on modal choice in the context of MUCs, and that is the main focus of the present research. Based on a representative travel survey, this study analyses the effect of distance to the closest railway station on the decision to use public transportation to travel to the main campus of the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB). Changes in the distance decay effect per sociodemographic group and trip characteristics are also analyzed. Results suggest that the effect of distance decay is key to understand the modal choice among noncaptive commuters, but that the magnitude and spatial dimension of this effect varies deeply along socioeconomic variables and commuting practices such as the university role. Findings show specific profile-based distance thresholds of modal choice that will contribute to our understanding of both future travel patterns among UAB members and the design of efficient transportation policies.