Factors affecting the student’s intentions to choose carpooling: a case study in Oman

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper aims to identify significant factors influencing the student’s intentions toward carpooling in Oman. A questionnaire was designed consisting of respondent’s socioeconomic demographics, interests in carpooling, and factors that encourage and discourage carpooling. A self-reported approach was used and 312 usable samples were obtained. The results showed that 69% of the students were interested in carpooling as a driver and 77% as a passenger. Factor analyzes resulted in (1) three factors on students’ interests in carpooling i.e. safe and relaxed traveling, friendly and cheaper traveling, and carpooling personal norms; (2) two factors on carpooling encouraging variables i.e. supporting trip attributes, and parking restrictions at the campus, and (3) three factors on carpooling discouraging variables i.e. schedule and commitment constraints, in-vehicle environmental concerns, and personal constraints. The same travel route and schedule, parking restrictions, personal norms, trip distance, vehicle ownership, safe and relaxed traveling, and the cheap and friendly nature of carpooling are positive predictors of student’s interests in carpooling. Personal constraints, irregular schedules, and having control of the in-vehicle environment are found to have a negative influence on intentions. This study proposes some behavioral interventions that need to be considered in the promotion of carpooling.