Exploring Associations between Multimodality and Built Environment Characteristics in the U.S

Abstract

This study demonstrated associations between multimodality and built environment characteristics, and proposed policy implications for fostering multimodal travel behaviors. It conducted a U.S. nationwide analysis using ordinary least square regression and gradient boosting decision tree regressor models with American Community Survey 2015–2019 5-year estimates and the United States Environmental Protection Agency Smart Location Database version 3.0. Notable findings were as follows: First, built environment characteristics were found to be statistically significant predictors of multimodality across the U.S. Second, certain features were identified as having considerable importance, specifically including population density, regional accessibility, walkability index, and network density, all of which should be given particular attention by transportation and land-use planners. Third, the non-linear effects of built environment characteristics on multimodality suggested an effective range to encourage multimodal transportation choice behaviors in various situations. The findings can guide the development of effective strategies to transform the built environment, which may subsequently be used to minimize reliance on automobiles and promote people to travel more sustainably.