Investigation of Alternate Behavioural Frameworks for Mode Choice Decisions of Workers in Chennai City

Abstract

This study investigates the use of alternate behavioural frameworks namely – random utility maximization (RUM), random disutility minimization (RDM), random regret minimization (RRM) and composite decision rule (CDR) framework with respect to mode choice behaviour of workers in Chennai city. Most mode choice studies assume RUM as the inherent decision rule. However, this framework has been criticized due to its inability to represent non-compensatory behaviour, risk aversion and regret in choice. The multinomial logit model, used to capture utility maximization, suffers from the Independence from Irrelevant Alternatives (IIA) assumption, in contrast to the other frameworks. Alternative frameworks such as “Disutility minimization” and “Regret minimization” have been proposed separately in the literature. However, these studies have not compared alternate behavioural frameworks using empirical data. Further, the role of subjective factors on mode choice has not been analysed in these studies. It is also interesting to examine the variation in the effect of explanatory factors across these decision frameworks. Due to the absence of comparative analysis, this study is motivated by the need to understand the extent to which mode choice involves non-compensatory behaviour, the degree of asymmetry between utility and disutility, and role of risk aversion and regret in mode choice decisions, particularly in the Indian context. A better behavioural understanding using suitable modelling frameworks can lead to more accurate mode share forecasts and has important implications for evaluating urban transport plans and policies.