Navigating active Transit: How built environments shape commuting and leisure journeys

Abstract

This study offers a nuanced investigation into the complexities of active travel behavior in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), with a specific focus on the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) in India. Utilizing a dual-method approach, the research employs Poisson regression models to analyze the frequency of active commuting and Cox proportional hazards models to explore the duration of such travel. The study reveals that urban design elements, socio-economic factors, and individual demographics collectively shape travel behavior, often in unexpected ways. Contrary to prevailing assumptions, walkable neighborhoods and enhanced public transit accessibility do not universally encourage active commuting. For example, while increased bus stop availability boosts the frequency of work-related active trips, its impact on leisure travel is minimal. Similarly, higher intersection density, generally associated with greater walkability, unexpectedly leads to longer travel durations. The study also finds that proximity to urban centers like the Central Business District exhibits a dual influence—promoting active commuting for work but slightly reducing it for leisure activities. These multifaceted findings underscore the need for more context-specific, multidimensional approaches in urban planning and policy formulation. Future research aims to expand upon these insights through quasi-experimental methods to better understand the socio-cultural, economic, and environmental intricacies influencing travel behavior in LMICs.