Abstract
Despite the growing body of research on ride-hailing travel behaviors in Western countries, empirical evidence for changes in travel patterns resulting from the use of app-based services in developing countries remains rare. This study explores factors affecting an Iranian on-demand ride service called Snapp Taxi by using a comprehensive dataset collected from 22 municipality zones in metropolitan Tehran (N = 582). Our conceptual framework emphasizes the transportation mode choice effects of technology adoption, travel mode, ride-sourcing attributes, individual attitudes, land use measures, residential attributes, and socio-economic characteristics of the respondents. Results from Structural Equation Models (SEM) show that factors such as cost effectiveness, trip security, anti-shared mobility, and technology-oriented riders have a significant impact on travel mode choice and the frequency of ride-hailing trips. This study suggests that individuals who prefer driving and semi-public transit also have higher numbers of Snapp trips than other demographics. According to our findings, on-demand ride services could complement or compete with other modes of transport, especially in areas with limited access to public transit. However, the presence of ride-hailing services does not necessarily result in fewer car trips if the service operates as a private (single-party occupancy) vehicle and not as a shared mobility option.
Highlights
In recent years, the emergence of new technologies has greatly impacted personal mobility in various dimensions by modifying and/or overcoming traditional travel barriers and constraints
Determinant factors of on-demand transportation services have rarely been studied. This study addresses this gap, and investigates ride-hailing mode choice and frequency by developing a comprehensive conceptual framework that accounts for socio-demographics, travel behavior, land use attributes, and attitudinal factors
Using a path analysis of Structural Equation Models (SEM), our model takes into account both direct and indirect effects of determinant factors on ride-hailing (Snapp) trip frequencies and mode choice in Iran
Summary
The emergence of new technologies has greatly impacted personal mobility in various dimensions by modifying and/or overcoming traditional travel barriers and constraints. Mobile technologies impact the needs of travelers and their preconditions for travel, as well as the spatial configuration, costs, and benefits of trips [1]. The application of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in transportation facilitates the availability of vehicles in real time and in scores of convenient locations for people by using an online interface, reducing one’s need to own a private vehicle [2]. The extensive use of smartphones by individuals has led innovators to develop app-based transportation services that efficiently link passengers to drivers within minutes. One of the most significant applications of ICT in transportation is “ride-hailing” a tech-driven adaptation of traditional street-hailing. Transportation network companies (TNCs) offer methods of shared mobility that enable passengers to quickly book a ride directly with a vehicle’s owner using smartphone applications [3]. The most widely known ride-hailing companies are Uber, which operates internationally, Lyft in the U.S, and Didi in China
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
