Factors associated with commuter satisfaction across travel time ranges

Abstract

Studies have revealed that commuter satisfaction can vary significantly depending on the travel context, as well as individual behavior and attitudes. Despite numerous studies, it remains unclear under what conditions commuters are more (un)satisfied with their commute time. In particular, little is known about the various determinants of commute time satisfaction across different travel time ranges. Using data from a general social survey conducted in Gyeonggi, South Korea, this study investigates which factors influence commuter responses across several travel time ranges. One interesting finding is that the relationship between the proportion of satisfied commuters and travel time is not linear, but instead takes the form of a “V” shape, suggesting that commuter satisfaction can be influenced by factors other than the commute duration. Binary logistic regression models developed for six commute time ranges indicate that commuter satisfaction is a complex function of socio-demographic characteristics, travel characteristics, individual behaviors/attitudes, job-related characteristics, and perceived neighborhood quality. The models demonstrate that some factors have different effects depending on the commute time range. It was also found that some people willingly accept long commutes for the benefit of a high-quality neighborhood.