Transport Accessibility Research Articles

Navigating the Future of Secure and Efficient Intelligent Transportation Systems using AI and Blockchain

Introduction/Background This study explores the limitations of conventional encryption in real-world communications due to resource constraints. Additionally, it delves into the integration of Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) in autonomous cars for trajectory management within Connected And Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs). This study unveils the resource-constrained real-world communications, conventional encryption faces challenges that hinder its feasibility. This introduction sets the stage for exploring the integration of DRL in autonomous cars and the transformative potential of Blockchain technology in ensuring secure data transfer, especially within the dynamic landscape of the transportation industry. Materials and Methods The research methodology involves implementing DRL techniques for autonomous car trajectory management within the context of connected and autonomous CAVs. Additionally, a detailed exploration of Blockchain technology deployment, consensus procedures, and decentralized data storage mechanisms. Results Results showcase the impracticality of conventional encryption in resource-constrained real-world communications. Moreover, the implementation of DRL and Blockchain technology proves effective in optimizing autonomous car subsystems, reducing training costs, and establishing secure, globally accessible government-managed transportation for enhanced data integrity and accessibility. Discussion The discussion delves into the implications of the study's findings, emphasizing the transformative potential of DRL in optimizing autonomous car subsystems. Furthermore, it explores the broader implications of Blockchain technology in revolutionizing secure, decentralized data transfer within the transportation industry. Conclusion In conclusion, the study highlights the impracticality of conventional encryption in real-world communications and underscores the significant advancements facilitated by DRL in autonomous vehicle trajectory management. The integration of Blockchain technology not only ensures secure data transfer but also paves the way for a globally accessible transportation blockchain, reshaping the future landscape of the industry.

Strategic analysis on improving the proximity and accessibility in China: an exploratory development based on the study of the 15-minute city

Against the backdrop of rapid urbanization in China's megacities, the growing need for accessible and convenient transportation has become more pronounced. The rise of the 15-minute city concept in chrono-urbanism has become increasingly evident in recent years. In this context, the paper presents a comprehensive strategic analysis and explores future possibilities for enhancing proximity and accessibility in urban transportation. The focus is on the exploratory development of the 15-minute city concept. By adopting a qualitative analytical approach, the paper delves into an analysis based on Melbourne’s '20-minute city' to assess the applicability and diverse development of the 15-minute city model in Chinese urban centers. By acquiring current data and examples, the findings reveal the strengths and challenges of the 15-minute city concept, underscoring its adaptability and uniqueness across different geographical, national, and targeted contexts. The paper indicates that among megacities in China, the 15-minute city highlights the potential for integrating advanced technology to enhance urban mobility and proximity. It also calls for a shift towards high-quality development in urban planning to strengthen the resilience of city transport. The study’s exploratory nature also opens up avenues for future development within the 15-minute city framework, providing a robust base for improving urban transportation in China. The significance of this research lies in its contribution to shaping high-quality and livable urban environments, thereby supporting the ongoing transformation of China’s large urban centers into more accessible and human-centered spaces.

Travel behaviour and the 15-min City: Access intensity, sufficiency, and non-work car use in Toronto

One of the key travel behavioural assumptions in the 15-min City concept is that if daily necessities are nearby, residents would be encouraged to use slower but more sustainable modes, such as walking, cycling and public transit to reach these destinations, thereby reducing car dependence. This research explores non-work car use associated with the 15-min City concept in the City of Toronto, Canada. We first calculate transportation accessibility, or what we refer to as access intensity, to five categories of daily necessities (food, commercial, health, recreation, and education establishments) using walking, cycling, public transit, and driving. Next, these results are analyzed using a set of minimum access criteria to particular amenities within the different destination types to determine a set of binary access or sufficiency scores. Spatial patterns of accessibilities by mode show expected pockets of high and low access. However, further analysis of non-work trip rates using travel survey data suggests that increases in 15-min accessibilities by walking, cycling, and transit are associated with decreases in the use of driving for 15-min trips. In particular, driving rates decrease as sufficient walking, cycling, and transit access improves with the largest decrease associated with sufficient walking access to all five categories of necessities. This work offers important implications for sustainable transportation and land use planning as it appears that residents do use alternative and more sustainable modes when they are associated with sufficient accessibility to all categories of destinations.

Topological analysis of roadway and railway networks of the Ukrainian-Polish borderlands (on the example of Lviv Oblast and Subcarpathian Voivodeship)


 
 
 The paper presents an analysis of functioning of roadway and railway networks in the context of logistics flows. The interaction of road vehicles and railroad cars within the given territories was characterized. The provided spatiotemporal modelling allows comparing the configuration of roadways and railways from the peripheral settlements to the regional capitals. The points that form transport links with the administrative centres of each studied territory were identified. A comparative topological analysis of the given lines of roadway and railway transport within the Ukrainian-Polish borderland employed quantitative (distance, time) and qualitative (curvature, travel speed) modelling parameters, characterizing the relationship of the borderland territories in two neighbouring countries of Eastern Europe. Relative indicators, which include curvature and speed, were estimated. A database of settlements based on accessibility to the city by road and rail transport was created, taking into account the top-10 centres of territorial communities, or hromadas, in Lviv Oblast and Subcarpathian Voivodeship. Alternative modes of transport for travelling from a centre of territorial community to the regional centre in Ukraine and Poland were highlighted. The study compared the settlements with low transport accessibility to the regional capital (oblast, voivodeship), taking into account the functioning of the roadway and railway networks. Social-geographical problems of the given territories were identified based on the analysis of topological indicators of each transport connections. I found that the network system of transport infrastructure in Subcarpathian Voivodeship is low-dense, especially in mountainous areas. Also, there was analyzed high accessibility of suburban settlements to the city of Rzeszów. In Lviv, connection between the suburbs and the city centre can be called problematic. Within the studied borderland areas, there were also found cases of disuse of the existing railway stations for passenger traffic. Variants that would promote the development of public transport in the Lviv Oblast have been proposed, based on the example of the transport model in Subcarpathian Voivodeship. Applied developments include the need to build the Opillia-Roztocze highway, assignement of high-speed electric trains from remote areas to the regional capital.
 
 

Possibilities of using econometrical methods in studying of interregional interactions of migration in transportation

Thе article presents a set of methodological approaches to forecasting the spatial heterogeneity of transportation migration flows in Russia. The purpose of the study is to develop a methodological basis for forecasting the migration flows spatial heterogeneity. The scientific novelty of the article lies in the presentation and systematization of methodological approaches specific to studying socio-economic factors affecting migration flows considering spatial heterogeneity in the context of the Russia. The study has potential practical value for developing effective migration policies and strategies of spatial development in the country. The study uses general scientific methods of cognition and system-structural analysis and theoretical research method. In the course of the work, a literature review was conducted and forecasting methods applicable in studying migration flows in the ratio of transport accessibility, which are based on the real data analysis, have been analyzed. The results of the study showed that it is possible to study migration flows by spatial autocorrelation methods, and the main explanation of this process is socio-economic factors. Regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between migration flows and such factors as income level, development of transportation infrastructure, accessibility, education and other factors calculated in absolute units. The Moran index application to the migration flows analysis is a scientifically new method that allows us to study the migration spatial aspects in more depth and to identify their characteristics and interrelationships at a new level. The methods base obtained can be useful for calculations and further informed decision-making aimed at reducing spatial inequalities and stimulating sustainable spatial development.

Качество обслуживания потребителей как критерий повышения конкурентоспособности транспортных компаний при доставке грузов

Modern conditions in the service market orient the country's transport companies to the availability and quality of transport and logistics services in the field of freight traffic, the conditions for creating their quality while reducing the level of transport costs. Many companies appear in the road transport industry offering a different set of services related to the delivery of goods, such as information, commercial, technological, service, etc. However, despite the presence of a significant number of such companies in the transport services market, most of the customers are not satisfied with the quality of their provision, since along with the growth of competition, the requirements imposed by consumers on the quality of such services also increase. To meet these requirements, it is necessary to study the needs of consumers, determine the capabilities of competitors, establish and implement a marketing strategy. In order for the consumer to be guided in the market of motor transport services in the work on choosing an algorithm for choosing a transport company, which was based on ranking the identified indicators of the quality of transport services, measuring them for consumers and calculating the rating of transport companies, evaluating the delivery of goods. This technique helps the consumer to make a choice, giving preference to a company with the highest integral rating of transport services, therefore, the highest level of quality of services provided. To increase the number of customers and increase revenues, transport companies need to improve the quality of transport services through an individual approach to each client and his requests. The competitive advantage will be the one that can respond flexibly to changing customer requirements for transportation services and at the same time provide better quality services.

Transport accessibility for disabled people in the European Union

Over the last few decades, we have experienced a remarkable evolution of technologies, with a consequent impact on the modes of transport used. These developments have made all modes of transport more accessible. This study examines the evolution of transport in the European Union. To this end, we analysed the international framework, followed by the general legal framework and the type of transport sector at the European level. Furthermore, we examined areas where improvements could be made, facilitating a subsequent review of other key aspects of transport. This enabled us to identify a series of future actions to improve accessible transport in Europe.

Spatial Analysis of Bike-Sharing Ridership for Sustainable Transportation in Houston, Texas

This study aims to analyze bike-sharing information and related urban factors to promote bike-sharing utilization in Houston, Texas. The research was initiated with a descriptive analysis, where the hourly and daily variations in bike demand are investigated, thereby revealing the time-related patterns of bike tours. The models included data on socio-demographics, public transportation availability, land use patterns, tree canopy coverage, bike routes, and job density within 0.25-mile and 0.5-mile buffer zones around each bike-sharing station. Stepwise regression was utilized to examine the effects of urban factors on bike-sharing ridership, and the explanatory power of the model was enhanced by selecting meaningful variables. The analysis found that tree canopy coverage was a significant factor in influencing bike-sharing ridership. Expansion of tree coverage can help make biking a sustainable mode of transportation. These findings have the potential to guide the development of practical policies that aim to promote sustainable urban mobility through bike-sharing programs.

Factors influencing delay in malaria treatment seeking at selected public health facilities in South Gonder, Ethiopia

Early and prompt treatment-seeking for malaria is necessary to reduce the progression of the disease to its severe forms and the associated mortality. Various studies have indicated that treatments sought for malaria were not always within the recommended timeframe. Therefore, this study aims to assess factors influencing delay in malaria treatment seeking at public health facilities in South Gonder, Ethiopia. An unmatched case–control study was conducted among 322 individuals, comprising 161 cases and 161 controls, who were randomly selected malaria patients visiting public health facilities in South Gonder District, Ethiopia, from May 20/2022 to June 25/2022. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data, which were subsequently cleaned and entered into Epi data. Descriptive statistics were performed, and variables with a p-value of ≤ 0.25 from the bivariate analysis were included in a multivariable logistic regression model. Significant variables with a p-value of < 0.05 were retained in the multivariable model. Patients who were unable to read and write [AOR = 3.47 (1.01–11.9)], fear of side effects of malaria treatment drugs [AOR = 1.89 (1.04–3.42)], lack of access to health education malaria disease and its treatment [AOR = 1.93 (1.02–3.65)], lack of transportation access [AOR = 4.70 (1.73–12.7)], not membership of community-based health insurance [AOR = 2.5 (1.3–4.82)] and lack of confidence on malaria care health facility providing [AOR = 2.14 (1.06–4.29)], were found to be determinants of treatment-seeking delay among malaria patients. In Summary, this study revealed significant associations between delays in seeking malaria treatment and factors such as educational status (those who were unable to read and write), malaria drug side effects, health education on malaria, transportation access, CBHI membership, and confidence in health malaria care. it is recommended that targeted interventions and awareness campaigns be implemented to address these determinants, promoting prompt and effective malaria treatment-seeking behavior in the studied population.

DETERMINATION OF STRATEGIC PRIORITIES FOR INLAND WATER TRANSPORT DEVELOPMENT OF UKRAINE

Topicality. In the context of globalization and the growth of international trade, water transport is becoming key to transport infrastructure, especially in Ukraine with its strategic location and river potential. The economic and ecological importance of inland waterway transport is obvious, but its development is held back by a number of challenges, including infrastructure constraints, economic difficulties, environmental requirements and legislative barriers. The relevance of the study lies in the need to analyze these challenges and define strategies to increase the competitiveness and integration of Ukrainian inland water transport into international logistics chains.Aim and tasks. Determine the priority strategic directions for the development of inland water transport of Ukraine, focusing on integration with international networks, adaptation to geopolitical changes, economic efficiency and environmental innovations. Tasks include analyzing the current state, assessing the impact of external factors and formulating recommendations for increasing the competitiveness and sustainable development of the industry, using international experience.Materials and Methods. The research is based on official documents, scientific literature and statistics to analyze the state of the industry and international experience. The methodology combines comparative analysis, expert evaluations and statistical analysis to identify trends. This will help assess the situation in Ukrainian inland water transport and develop recommendations for increasing its efficiency, sustainable development and integration into international logistics networks.Research results. In view of the growing need for efficient and environmentally sustainable transport solutions, the inland water transport of Ukraine shows significant potential for development. Analysis of the current state and international experience indicates a critical need to implement strategic directions aimed at modernization of infrastructure, implementation of environmental standards, development of multimodal transportation, attraction of investments and activation of international integration.Modernizing infrastructure, including upgrading locks, ports and navigation systems, is fundamental to ensuring the safety, efficiency and accessibility of water transport. This will allow Ukraine to increase the carrying capacity of river routes and optimize logistics chains.The introduction of environmental standards and innovations, in particular the use of environmentally friendly fuels and autonomous ships, will help reduce emissions and increase the environmental friendliness of the industry. This corresponds to the global trends of greening of transport and ensures the sustainable development of water transport.The development of multimodal transport, integrating water transport with other types of transport, opens up new opportunities for optimizing cargo flows and increasing the efficiency of the country's transport system.Attracting investments, both domestic and international, is key to the implementation of modernization and innovation projects. Creating a favorable investment climate and state support through incentives and guarantees will be able to accelerate the development of the industry.Activation of international integration through cooperation with international organizations and adaptation to international standards will allow Ukraine to integrate into global transport networks, attract international experience and investments for the development of water transport.The implementation of these strategic directions will require an integrated approach, coordinated work of the government, business and international partners, as well as taking into account the economic and environmental requirements of today.Conclusion. A government program with investment incentives, modernization and environmental innovation is recommended; legislative improvements to support water transport; business investments in the fleet and infrastructure; international support for Ukraine's integration into global networks. Future research should focus on adaptation to global change and private investment strategies.

Optimization of the subsidy for university faculty relocation in campus suburbanization

This study explores the optimal subsidy policy to maximize the benefits associated with the suburbanization of university campuses. A transport accessibility index is introduced, and a model is developed to analyze faculty housing relocation, incorporating factors such as transport accessibility, housing price, relocation subsidy, and the influence of children. The impact of housing relocation is assessed using a regional output model that considers both production and consumption aspects. Subsequently, a decision-making model is established to determine the optimal subsidy level and the number of faculty to relocate, with the overarching goal of maximizing total regional benefits. The findings reveal that an increase in subsidies correlates with a rise in the willingness of faculty to relocate, leading to heightened benefits for the region. However, the rate of benefit increase shows diminishing returns with each increment change in the subsidy. Notably, the study demonstrates that 70% of the additional benefits to the region emanate from the housing market, accurately reflecting the current financial landscape in China. This insight underscores why city governments frequently leverage land markets to actively promote suburbanization.

Quality of Life Dependence on Public Transport Accessibility

Purpose. Article present the survey on dependency of quality-of-life indicators with transport accessibility. Specific focus is on rural areas. There was hypothesis to prove, that inhabitants of low population density rural areas are facing poor quality-of-life. Design/Methodology/Approach. A representative survey of the population was chosen as the research method. The study area was divided into transport districts, and the representativeness of the survey was ensured in each transport district. Transport districts are divided according to the criterion of travel time and public transport supply. The survey included questions that allowed checking whether and which quality of life parameters correlate with the quality of public services. Findings and implications. The research found that public transport accessibility is closely related with such attributes as education, employment rate and closely related to such attributes of life quality as change of clothes more often or having the proper shoes more often as well as having Internet access. Limitations. The study was conducted in just one country with a very high level of car ownership, which is still growing. Another limitation is that the public transport supply in this country is insufficient due to historical reasons. For a long time, public transport was unsubsidized or weakly subsidized in this country. Originality. The originality of the paper is based on a representative survey conducted by the authors, the results of which linked quality of life indicators with public transport availability indicators. The originality of the work is based on a representative survey conducted by the authors, the results of which linked quality of life indicators with public transport availability indicators.

Influence of Transportation Accessibility on Urban-rural Income Disparity and Its Spatial Heterogeneity

Influence of Transportation Accessibility on Urban-rural Income Disparity and Its Spatial Heterogeneity

Co-evolution of public transport access and ridership

While transport infrastructure and travel demand are known to be correlated, their causal relationship has not been systematically investigated. Granger causality tests have been conducted in the context of transport infrastructure and economic growth, and land use and transport. This research extends their application to network investments and travel demand by examining the co-evolution of public transport access and ridership in the Greater Sydney region for a period spanning over a century, from 1855 onward. We hypothesise a mutual feedback between public transport ridership and access, and corroborate the hypothesis in all causal models estimated – between aggregate public transport ridership and access, station ridership and access, and mesh block public transport shares and access. The causality was more evident in disaggregate models and was stronger between ridership and access to jobs than with access to population when employment data were available. Ours is the first longitudinal investigation into the causal relationship between public transport access and ridership. The findings strengthen the case for using access as a planning measure and lay the groundwork for evolutionary strategic transport modelling.

Factors associated with employment of powered wheelchair users

Purpose: To identify correlations between demographic, health-related, environmental factors and the employment status of power wheelchair (PWC) users.Method: We retrospectively analysed semi-structured interviews with 128 participants, their assistants or family members, and the participant’s provided medical records. Participants were adult PWC users who applied for grants in purchasing a new PWC for gaining or keeping employment between 2019–2021 in Mazovian Province, Poland.Results: Forty-six PWC users (35.9%) were employed while applying for the financial support programme. Fischer’s Exact Test of Independence identified positive correlations between employment and education level (p < 0.001), residing in an urban area (p = 0.02), being employed before starting PWC use (p < 0.001), having vocational rehabilitation (p < 0.001), and living in a relationship (p = 0.002). There were no associations between employment status and sex, age at study entry, age at disability onset, living alone or with others, duration of PWC use, or full or part-time PWC use. Our findings indicate that PWC users are at risk of non-employment and financial hardship. This research may support policies for PWC provision that would support gainful employment. The results show that access to quality education, vocational rehabilitation, and perhaps the physical/emotional support from others in close relationships matter. These aspects should be considered in educational policies, transportation, and physical environmental accessibility for PWC users, supporting their gainful employment.

An Importance–Performance Analysis Approach to a Tourism Destination: the Case of Lisbon Metropolitan Area, Portugal

Pull factors, the attributes of a specific location, matter in tourism. These factors encompass the distinctive characteristics and alluring features that attract tourists to a destination, their importance and performance influencing the decision-making process and overall experience. A clear comprehension of this concept is crucial for destinations' economic vitality as they compete for tourists and strive for economic expansion and employment prospects. Indeed, an in-depth knowledge of these factors' importance and performance underscores the need for regions to adjust their approach to evolving tourist preferences. This adaptation is crucial to fostering responsible and sustainable tourism practices that safeguard cultural and natural resources. However, besides learning about the factors considered critical by tourists to visit a location, it is paramount to analyse how they evaluate the performance of each of these factors while staying there.This study focuses on the Lisbon Metropolitan Area (LMA), Portugal, and the findings will provide essential insights into destination competitiveness, sustainable tourism development, and the creation of unique travel experiences. As a destination that gained popularity, attracting tourists from all over the world, it is necessary to comprehend the specific factors that contribute to this vibrant region's allure and how it performs regarding them. The research will use the Importance-Performance Analysis to make data interpretation accessible and suggest relevant measures to improve competitiveness based on optimising the allocation of resources among the various factors/attributes analysed. The research incorporates numerous criteria categories, including historical significance, urban appeal, natural scenery, culinary experiences, cultural heritage, and aspects like streets' cleanliness, transport availability, or health emergency infrastructures. The study's conclusions will impact Lisbon region's (LMA) tourism and destination management. By understanding what factors are more important for tourists that visit the area and their evaluation of the performance of each of these factors, stakeholders can improve marketing, infrastructure, and the visitors' experience to promote sustainable development and maintain Lisbon's standing as a top tourist destination for rewarding and enlightening experiences. Relevant data is also provided to inform future tourism initiatives. This study adds to the academic discussion of location competitiveness and unique travel experiences.

Racial and Ethnic Differences in Social Determinants of Health and Health-Related Social Needs Among Adults - Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, United States, 2022.

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are a broad array of social and contextual conditions where persons are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that influence their physical and mental wellbeing and quality of life. Using 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data, this study assessed measures of adverse SDOH and health-related social needs (HRSN) among U.S. adult populations. Measures included life satisfaction, social and emotional support, social isolation or loneliness, employment stability, food stability/security, housing stability/security, utility stability/security, transportation access, mental well-being, and health care access. Prevalence ratios were adjusted for age, sex, education, marital status, income, and self-rated health. Social isolation or loneliness (31.9%) and lack of social and emotional support (24.8%) were the most commonly reported measures, both of which were more prevalent among non-Hispanic (NH) American Indian or Alaska Native, NH Black or African American, NH Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, NH multiracial, and Hispanic or Latino adults than among NH White adults. The majority of prevalence estimates for other adverse SDOH and HRSN were also higher across all other racial and ethnic groups (except for NH Asian) compared with NH White adults. SDOH and HRSN data can be used to monitor needed social and health resources in the U.S. population and help evaluate population-scale interventions.

Are New Campus Mobility Trends Causing Health Concerns?

An influx of new mobility trends such as fare-free bus transportation, ride hail, and e-scooter services to improve access and affordability of transportation on campus may be shifting the travel behavior of campus patrons such that it affects their long-term health outcomes. The main research questions explored in this study are as follows: (1) why university patrons choose new modes of travel?; (2) what existing mode did the new modes of travel replace for the riders?; and (3) is the average body mass index (BMI) of users primarily using non-motorized transit options lower than those using motorized or both (referred to as hybrid) for on-campus travel needs? An online survey was administered to a campus community (n = 3309) including students (48%), faculty (15%), and staff (37%) in fall of 2018 when fare-free bus transportation and e-scooters became available on campus, and a gradual increase in ridership of ride-hail services was simultaneously observed. This study found that campus patrons were more inclined to replace active modes of travel with affordable and accessible modes of transportation, thereby substituting their walking or biking routine with app-based transportation services. The mean BMI among travelers who chose motorized transportation modes was more than active travelers, and the BMI was statistically significantly associated with age, gender, race, class standing (undergraduate/graduate), and residence on/off campus. This study concludes with suggestions to prevent substitution of active with non-active transport choices and provides policy guidelines to increase awareness on achieving physical activity levels through active modes of travel for university patrons.

Can You Hear Me Now? Patient Perceptions of Telehealth in a Rural Primary Care Population.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased telehealth adoption. Rural communities experience challenges relating to telehealth, including a shortage of clinicians, low health literacy, mistrust of medicine, and limited technology access, yet rural perceptions have not been a subject of robust study. The setting of this study was a rural Midwestern family medicine clinic within an academic health system. Methods: Surveys were given to all patients of age 18 or older visiting the clinic over a one-week period. Those who expressed interest were contacted for a semistructured interview. Descriptive statistics and chi-square testing were used to analyze survey results for significant relationships, while interview transcripts were analyzed for themes. Results: Of respondents, 27% indicated prior telehealth use and were more likely to prefer telehealth visits (p = 0.03). Perceptions of telehealth were sorted into themes, including scope of care, convenience, and technology. Telehealth was preferred for discussing test results or mental health. Barriers such as travel time and transportation access favored telehealth. Although more convenient, telehealth was found to be less effective for relationship building. The absence of physical examination during phone visits was a concern. Phone visits were more prevalent due to failure of video-based technology. Conclusions: Despite the potential to address these unique challenges in rural communities, telehealth acceptance is poor. Barriers such as accessibility of technology can be improved through governmental and health systemwide measures. Future work can help develop interventions that counter negative perceptions of telehealth while increasing interest and uptake in rural communities.

Unveiling the Secrets of Obesity with Machine Learning (ML) Techniques/Algorithms

Obesity is the most significant health threat all over the world as it is considered the mother of all diseases. Recent decades have witnessed an extensive shift towards sedentary lifestyles including adaptation to luxury modes of transportation, processed food, lack of physical activities, and prolonged screen times. The trend of using cars and motorcycles to travel even short distances has emerged as a critical component in Pakistan's obesity pandemic. Whenever the causes of obesity are discussed, the focus remains always on processed food and genetic factors. This study is an effort to exploit a machine-learning-based pathway to predict the major causes of obesity using machine learning (ML) algorithms. For this research, a dataset of 2,111 instances of various age groups and lifestyles was employed. For analysis, three efficient ML algorithms known as k-nearest neighbor (k-NN or KNN), support vector machine (SVM), and decision tree (DT) were utilized. It was observed that the excessive use of personal transport and comparatively limited availability and use of public transport has been a significant cause of obesity in Class II and III obese individuals. From the experimental results, strong association rules with minimum confidence value of 25% and maximum support value of 80% were obtained. Also, DT with random forest technique was found to have the highest accuracy of 90.36%, with the recall factor value of 98.73%. This signifies the fact that sedentary lifestyle and mode of transportation have a significant impact on rising obesity level.