Mode Choice Research Articles

Anticipating Mode Shifts Owing to Automated Vehicles Based on a Tourist Behavior Model: Case Study on Travel to Kagoshima

A decrease in group travel and increase in individual and family travel has led to the diversification of travel demand needs in Japan. In Japan, railways and airlines are the main competitors of personal vehicles for mid- and long-distance travel. The use of a personal vehicle can better meet diverse travel needs by offering greater flexibility; moreover, the development of motorization and the improvement of road networks have placed vehicles in a leading position among mode choices for tourism purposes. At present, Level 3 autonomous driving on expressways has become technically feasible; hence, a mode shift from public transportation to automated vehicles is anticipated because of the reduction in driving fatigue and inherent advantage in terms of greater flexibility conferred by autonomous driving. This shift could contribute to more sustainable travel patterns by optimizing route planning and reducing congestion through more efficient vehicle operations. In this study, a survey was conducted on tourism travel to Kagoshima Prefecture. The collected data were used to construct tourist behavior models, including a mid- and long-distance mode choice model that considers driving fatigue and a tourist attraction visit duration model based on a random utility model. The validity of the model is corroborated by statistical tests showing high goodness-of-fit to the observed data. The results of this model forecast a change in the modal share after the introduction of automated vehicles, with a focus on reducing driving fatigue. These predictions can contribute to the development of future transportation policies and the promotion of tourism.

The Effect of Access to Waterbodies and Parks on Walking and Cycling in Urban Areas

This pilot study investigated whether good and bad access to waterbodies and parks have different impacts on walking and cycling in neighborhoods in urban areas. Focusing on Paris, France, the neighborhoods were classified based on their access to the two natural environments through GIS analysis. Active mobility, past behavior, trip purpose, and subjective evaluation were collected through an online survey. The subjective evaluation included infrastructure satisfaction and the perception of transport mode choice, urban area aesthetic level, safety, health, and preference for active mobility over car use. Descriptive analyses, Mann–Whitney tests, and Fisher’s exact tests were conducted to compare between two access groups and between cycling and walking. Active mobility was mainly performed for utilitarian purposes. Weekly cycling frequency was found to be lower than walking. Access to natural environments mainly impacts walking. Contrary to general belief, cycling frequency is higher in neighborhoods with bad access to waterbodies than in ones with good access. Contrary to expectations, this study found little significant effect on active mobility in the accessibility to both natural environments. This study also highlights the influence of dominant active mobility purposes in urban areas with respect to access to natural environments, and provides a subjective evaluation for active mobility.

Determinants of last-mile travel mode choice under different COVID-19 alert levels: A case study of Batasan Hills, Quezon City, Philippines

The COVID-19 outbreak has led to remarkable changes in the transport sector and people’s travel behavior. The suspension of public transport leads to an increase in the number of private car users and the number of walking activities. The last mile, being one of the weakest links in the transport network, has become more challenging to manage with the imposition of different travel restrictions. Using the data collected from the households of Barangay Batasan Hills, Quezon City, Philippines, this study aimed to understand people’s travel behavior during the pandemic. Specifically, a binary logit model was used to determine the significant factors that affect the last-mile travel mode choice under different alert levels. Results showed that age during the pandemic, monthly household income, the purpose of travel, travel expense, travel time, departure time, origin, compliance with COVID-19 measures, and trip duration have significant factors in last-mile travel mode choice. In addition, risk perception on public transport was also a determinant of last-mile travel mode under alert levels 1 and 2. Analyzing travel behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic is deemed beneficial in devising strategies and interventions that will help mitigate the spread of the virus while still allowing economic activity and the movement of people to happen.

Progress in the treatment of giant cell tumors of extremities with pathological fracture

Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is a common locally aggressive junctional primary bone tumor, whose clinical treatment becomes more difficult once combined with pathological fracture. Extended curettage and en-bloc resection are common surgical procedures for treating GCTB, and drugs such as receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand(RANKL) inhibitors and bisphosphonates have been successfully used. Curettage is recommended for patients with Campanaccigrade Ⅱor Campanaccigrade Ⅲ with localized soft tissue invasion only and simple fractures with intact bone structure. Resection may be considered for Campanaccigrade Ⅲ with extensive soft tissue invasion or complex fractures with incomplete bone structure. RANKL inhibitors such as denosumab may be recommended if surgery is not possible or before performing resection. This article summarizes the common treatment modalities of pathological fractures combined with giant cell tumors of extremities, including the current status of surgical and pharmacological treatments, analyzing the choice of surgical modalities in different clinical situations, in order to provide clinical inspirations for diagnosis and treatment.

Integrating drivers of pro-environmental behavior and physical activity to explore (in) compatibilities between an active and an environmentally sustainable lifestyle

IntroductionSport and outdoor activities have benefits on people’s health and well-being but may also increase the frequency of unsustainable behaviors. The present study explores drivers of travel mode choice and consumption of material (clothes and equipment) associated with physical activity to clarify the extent to which an active and sustainable lifestyle is compatible. The role of identity and varying levels of internalized motivation for pro-environmental behaviors (autonomous and controlled environmental motivation) and engagement in physical activity (autonomous and controlled activity motivation) was examined. In addition, socio-demographic, physical context, and life situation correlates of environmentally significant behaviors associated with physical activity were analyzed.MethodsA survey of a random sample of the general public in Sweden (n = 1013) was conducted.ResultsAfter controlling for hours of physical activity, the study showed that environmental self-identity was related to a lower likelihood of using the car alone via autonomous environmental motivation and to a higher likelihood of buying and selling used material via controlled environmental motivation. Physical activity drivers displayed diverse impacts on environmentally significant behaviors, e.g., athlete identity was associated with a higher likelihood of using the car alone and buying new material, but also selling used material. Being a member of a sport or outdoor organization was related to a higher likelihood of using the car alone and buying new material, but also using active travel modes as well as buying and selling used material.DiscussionWith a better understanding of the drivers of environmentally significant behaviors in this domain, strategies to encourage sustainable transport and circular flows of material in sports and outdoors can be outlined.

Developing CUSTOM framework: explore telecommuting-induced activity-travel demands with mode choice

This paper presents an econometric framework of jointly modelling daily activity scheduling (activity type, time expenditure, and location choices known as the CUSTOM system) and travel mode choice considering Random Utility Maximization (RUM) behaviour. The joint model is applied to model workers’ daily activity-travel demand with flexible work arrangement choices. The joint framework is flexible to capture workers’ activity-travel patterns under different workplace (telecommuting, not telecommuting, or hybrid) arrangement options. The model is empirically estimated using datasets collected in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in 2021. The analysis explores how different workplace arrangements affect activity-travel demand. The model is calibrated to simulate scenarios where the distribution of work-from-home workers varied between the levels observed from 2016 to 2021. The scenario analysis validates the behavioural predictability of the joint CUSTOM system. This highlights the potential of the agent-based activity-based modelling system to forecast the influence of disruptive events on travel behaviours.

Catamenial Pneumothorax—Still an Unveiled Disease

This review presents current opinions on an uncommon condition called catamenial pneumothorax (CP), which is usually associated with thoracic endometriosis syndrome (TES). TES is characterized by the presence of endometriotic lesions in pleura and lung parenchyma and presents with various clinical signs and symptoms, including catamenial pneumothorax. Their diagnosis is often delayed. Pulmonary endometric lesions, however, often detected in patients with hemothorax and hemoptysis, may be absent in a proportion of cases of pneumothorax. The typical presentation of CP includes signs and symptoms of pneumothorax, which occur along with menstruation, most commonly around 24 h before and 48–72 h after its onset. However, they may not occur during every menstrual cycle. Suggestive CP lesions on conventional radiography (RTG) include pneumoperitoneum accompanying right-sided pneumothorax, lung opacities, pleural effusion, and nodular infiltrates. Chest and abdomen computed tomography (CT), particularly contrast-enhanced, may additionally show pneumoperitoneum and diaphragmatic lesions. The management of CP includes supportive treatment of acute symptoms and causal treatment to prevent recurrent disease. This article presents the pathophysiology of CP, an overview of the diagnostic methods, and the current therapeutic approaches. The necessity for a multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis of CP and to the choice of the best treatment modality is underlined (promising new therapeutic options are also mentioned); however, international guidelines are still missing.

Anti-coronas and germophobic neurotics: rationalising choices to use or not use public transport during the pandemic

The paper adds to the growing literature that considers how COVID-19 has impacted on public transport. It reports on a focus group study in Denmark with both users and non-users of public transport during the pandemic. Focus group participants were asked to talk about and explain their everyday transport mode choices. Whereas the study was based on the assumption that ‘fear of transmission’ would have come to represent a readymade rationalisation resource for people to use to justify if they do not want to use public transport, the participants consistently resisted to rationalise their mode choice-decisions with reference to ‘fear of contagion’. The paper considers if this resistance can be understood as an example of a tension between more governmental and biopolitical governance strategies and more disciplinary governance strategies in liberal societies during the pandemic. It offers a detailed analysis of how participants pre-empt the relevance of risk of contagion for their travel decisions in focus group interaction, and it concludes suggesting its findings indicate a little-explored domain: It appears as if passengers cannot admit to ‘fear of contagion’ without risking appearing incapable of governing themselves in line with liberal governmentalities, thus potentially subjecting themselves to more disciplinary interventions.

The effect of family members' communication mode choice on the family's perceptions of care.

Family-centered rounds (FCR) are a multidisciplinary process in which patients and/or family members are present and actively participate in medical rounds. While research has shown that FCR may enhance collaborative information exchange and reduce family anxiety, the impact of the information exchange modality on the experience has been largely unexplored. Medical rounds are typically assumed to be carried out in person at the bedside. In this research, we challenge this perception. We ask whether FCR communication is best conducted at the bedside or if similar communication outcomes are obtained when family members choose the communication mode according to their preferences. Using a field experiment in which participants choose the communication mode, we empirically analyze perceptions of the resulting communication in terms of information exchange. Three communication modes are available for participants to choose from (i.e. patients' families): face-to-face (FtF), phone and video conferencing. A questionnaire is distributed, and the responses of the patients' family members are analyzed. ANOVA tests are carried out to analyze the effect of communication mode on family perceptions. Perceptions following video conferencing or FtF interaction were significantly higher than perceptions following the use of a phone. Thus, our results show clear superiority of video and FtF communication modes as facilitators of effective communication perceptions. There is also marginal evidence that FtF communication is perceived as superior than video conferencing in supporting the receipt of information and understanding but not in the ability to convey information and input to the care team. These results suggest that allowing family members to choose their communication preferences does not always support effective communication. A case can be made for motivating patient family members to use face-to-face or video communication rather than phone if possible. The possible ramifications of allowing family members to choose communication mode with the care team have been largely unexplored. Medical rounds are typically assumed to be carried out in person at the bedside. In this research, we challenge this perception. We ask whether communication is best conducted at the bedside or whether similar communication outcomes are obtained when family members choose the communication mode according to their preferences.

Travel behaviours and built environments on school-runs

Excessive car-use by individuals and households poses significant challenges for regions attempting to develop and grow sustainably. School-runs are a staple trip for households and this consistency presents unique opportunities for policymakers to facilitate shifts toward more sustainable travel behaviours as these trips are highly sensitive to the implicit costs of travel – costs directly linked to land-use and transport policies. This research employs Generalised Structural Equation Modelling to analyse the determinants of travel mode choices of secondary school students (Middle and High School students) across the Republic of Ireland. Specifically, we focus on the relationships between individual socio-demographics, the built and social characteristics of residential locations, trip-specific considerations, and travel mode choices. We find that landscapes which reduce local time-space geographies (i.e., by reducing required travel distances) are associated with increased odds of students using active and public transport instead of cars. We also show that mode-specific infrastructure (i.e., roads) provision is associated with increased mode-specific (i.e., cars) use.

Operation mode and scheduling plan optimization approach for multiple balancing zones in a distribution system

Modern power systems are developing rapidly, with distributed energy, energy storage devices, adjustable loads, and other flexible resources consolidated through microgrids, virtual power plants, and integrated source–network–load–storage systems. This consolidation under various balancing zone models facilitates synergistic operations and has become critical to enhancing distributed power consumption and ensuring the reliability of electricity supply. Therefore, in light of the challenges of inadequate economic efficiency, reduced accommodation of renewable energy, and poorer operational reliability in distribution networks, this study proposes a category selection and flexibility resource scheduling method that considers the differences in multiple balancing zone models and modes. Firstly, the approach establishes a multi-dimensional characteristic evaluation index and multiple balancing zone operation models. The characteristic evaluation indicators are then utilized to assess the unique properties of the balancing zone system and eliminate unreasonable operating modes. Finally, through analyzing the effectiveness and differences of various balancing zone operation modes, an optimal operation mode is selected, and a scheduling plan is formulated. We conclude that the scheduling plan optimization method considering the operation mode can realize a reasonable choice of operation modes and achieve benefit optimization.

Involving Infrastructure as a Latent Variable in Active Transportation Mode Choice: The Case Study of Baghdad City

Infrastructural developments have been implemented with the objective of promoting active transportation as a sustainable transportation mode, including the construction of cycling and walking routes and the improvement of existing infrastructure. The impact of this factor on ridership has been a subject of research, and the incorporation of this variable into mode choice models has also been contemplated. Nevertheless, road users’ perception regarding the utilization of these infrastructures has yet to be investigated. Accordingly, this research aims to examine the role of infrastructure provision for walking and cycling as a Latent Variable (LV) in the transport mode choice of high school students in Baghdad City, where this subject has not been previously addressed. A self-designed questionnaire was employed to collect the requisite data. The Integrated Choice and Latent Variable (ICLV) models have been designed and the results demonstrate that the time and cost of trips have a significant impact on the choice of transportation mode. Furthermore, the provision of walking and cycling infrastructure has a notable effect on the choice of walking and cycling for transport. The sub-models indicate that the provision of cycling fences and pedestrian bridges are the most significant variables. Consequently, it is recommended that these results be considered in the provision and improvement of cycling and walking infrastructures to promote active transportation.

A binary choice model for adoption of an emerging travel mode with unique service features

In the era of emerging technologies, the transportation system is witnessing the introduction of innovative mobility services, such as autonomous vehicles, which possess unique service features that cannot be seen from conventional travel modes. To facilitate the understanding of the behavioral impacts and the adoption of innovative mobilities, a novel binary weibit model with an oddball alternative (BW-O) is developed for the binary choice between conventional and emerging mobilities. The BW-O model explicitly considers the unprecedented (or unique) service features of emerging travel modes while retaining the closed-form choice probability. This study empirically illustrates the application of the BW-O model in the mode choice context. The desirable properties of the BW-O model compared to the existing binary choice models are discussed both theoretically and empirically. In the binary mode choice problem with an emerging travel mode, the unique service features of the emerging mode can lead to the “oddball” effect and “superstar” effect, which play a critical role in the travel behavior and mode adoption. The BW-O model inherently captures both effects by considering a higher perception variance for the emerging mode and asymmetric choice probabilities between different modes. Thus, as revealed by the empirical results, the BW-O model outperforms the basic binary weibit model in terms of both model fit and predictive power. The developed BW-O model is not only applicable to the mode choice problem in transportation systems, but also opens a door for more general class-imbalanced binary choice contexts where an alternative has additional attractiveness and asymmetric choice probability.

ANALYZING THE IMPACT OF DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS AND URBAN DENSITY ON MODE CHOICE IN THE GREATER BRISBANE AREA

Understanding the influence of demographic factors and urban density on transportation mode choice is crucial for promoting sustainable mobility in urban areas. This study examines these influences in the Greater Brisbane Area using data from the Queensland Household Travel Survey (QHTS) collected between 2018 and 2023. We apply binomial logistic regression models to analyze how age, gender, employment status, presence of children, and urban density at origin and destination locations affect the likelihood of choosing transportation modes, including car, walking, bicycling, public transport, and Mobility as a Service (MaaS). The results indicate that higher urban density is significantly associated with reduced car usage and increased use of sustainable modes such as walking, public transport, and bicycling. Older individuals are more likely to use cars and less likely to choose active modes, while males have a higher propensity to bicycle compared to females. Employment status also influences mode choice, with employed individuals more likely to drive or use public transport and less likely to walk. Although the number of MaaS users in the dataset is limited, preliminary findings suggest potential higher adoption in high-density areas and among older individuals. These insights provide empirical evidence from Brisbane and have practical implications for urban planners and policymakers. Enhancing infrastructure for sustainable transportation in densely populated areas and considering demographic factors can promote sustainable mobility patterns. Future research should include additional variables such as transportation supply factors and use longitudinal data to explore causal relationships. Investigating the barriers to MaaS adoption in Brisbane would also be valuable for shaping future urban mobility strategies.

Analysis of socioeconomic and built environment factors influencing travel mode choice of older adults in Georgia

This paper explores the travel behavior of older adults in comparison to younger adults using the 2017 U.S. National Household Travel Survey Georgia Add-on. We employ a discrete mode choice model to examine how the relationships between travel outcomes and socioeconomic, trip, and built environment characteristics vary by age. Travel modes are categorized into automobile, public transit, and non-motorized modes (i.e., walking and biking). The analysis reveals significant differences in factors related to non-auto mode travel outcomes between age groups. The presence of health conditions is associated with a lower likelihood of older adults choosing non-auto modes, and this effect intensifies with age. The association between trip purposes and travel outcome also varies; home-based-other purpose trips, such as healthcare appointments or community activities, are associated with a higher probability of older adults choosing non-motorized modes compared to other trip purposes. Residential density is more of a factor for older adults' non-auto mode choices, and older adults living in non-auto mode supportive environments are more likely to maintain non-auto mode usage. The study further finds that older adults and those with health conditions live and travel in less dense, less walkable areas than their counterparts, which makes it difficult for them to have viable non-auto transportation options. To expand mobility options for older adults, planners should design programs for older adults with health conditions and provide services for those who can no longer drive or without access to automobiles. Additionally, considering built environment conditions and the varying needs of individuals based on trip purposes is recommended to satisfy the mobility needs of older adults in accordance with their lifestyles.

TRENDS OF MODE CHOICE AND PROMOTION OF SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION IN MEGA CITY OF DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: A CASE STUDY FOR KARACHI

The aim of this research is to explore the current urban transportation system of a megacity, Karachi. It was done by analyzing the Public Transport (PT) route network and commuter’s mode choice along with mode share. Four major arterials were selected for the study. Data was collected through field surveys and questionnaire-based survey. PT system of Karachi mainly consists of buses and minibuses. It was found that PT has 16% share in mode choice of Karachi’s travelers, which is less than most of the metropolitan cities in the world, and it has been decreasing constantly over the years. Most of the private vehicle users consider PT to be inefficient and uncomfortable. However, there is a willingness to use PT modes if they can provide at affordable prices. The current PT users are captive and women riders, which are bound economically or culturally to use these modes. Other sustainable modes of transport such as car-sharing and walking do not have significant share in mode share as well. Focused awareness campaigns for promotion of these modes should also be initiated.

To what extent walking and biking are substitutes or complements to public transport? Interpretable machine learning findings from the University of Lyon, France

This study examines the dynamic relationship between active mobility and public transport among university students, focusing on how this interaction varies based on home-campus distance. Using sequential and randomized tree-based ensemble machine learning models and interpretation techniques on survey data, we uncover nuanced patterns in behavior regarding the choice of transport modes for commuting. Key findings are that biking complements public transport for distances less than two kilometers and greater than ten kilometers, and walking complements it for distances over two kilometers, while some subgroups of students substitute walking for public transport in short distances. Biking and public transportation are observed to be substitutes for each other in distances between approximately two and ten kilometers. Results also suggest a substitution effect between walking and biking for short distances. Finally, we identify distinct walking and biking clusters around certain campuses. Our study highlights the potential of policies promoting active mobility to reduce motorized transport use among students, thereby mitigating social, environmental, and health risks in urban settings.

Are you Ready? Understanding the Intention to Use Highly Automated On-Demand Vehicles while Considering Technology Readiness and Environmental Drive

Highly automated vehicles represent a potentially disruptive technology, with uncertainties about their successful integration into existing transport systems. This study explores psychological factors influencing the intention to use highly Automated On-Demand vehicles (AODs). We build on the Theory of Planned Behavior, enhancing the model by incorporating key technological and environmental constructs of AODs. Structural equation modeling with latent variables is used to investigate potential shifts in travel mode choice. The theoretically derived model is tested within a sample of N = 214 individuals (151 women, 61 men, 2 diverse). After excluding the variable Perceived Behavioral Control, the adjusted model demonstrates excellent model fit indices (CFI = 0.99) and accounts for 61.2 % of the variance in the Intention to Use AODs. These results suggest that the Intention to Use AODs can be explained by the Orientation towards AODs (including Technology Readiness Motivators) and the Subjective Norm (including Environmental Concern), but not by Perceived Behavioral Control. Our findings align with current literature and stress the importance of including psychological factors when investigating the possible uptake of a new transportation technology.

City-wide cycling network extension and bicycle ridership in São Paulo: A causal analysis

Over the past 15 years, São Paulo, a megacity in Southeastern Brazil, has tackled its enduring mobility challenges by constructing over 500 km of bike routes and supporting various cycling initiatives, including recreational cycling programs, mobility strategies and bikeshare. Despite the generally positive impacts of these initiatives, the absence of robust causal evidence on their benefits can pose serious challenges for future investments in light of the existing social dynamic favoring the use of automobiles. Driven by the need to reduce motorized transport in Brazilian cities, we investigate the causal effects of bicycle routes on ridership between 2007 and 2017, focusing on travellers highly exposed to bike routes developed between 2008 and 2015. Using Difference-in-Differences models alongside Household Travel Surveys conducted before and after the interventions, we observed a modest but positive increase in cycling mode choice probability, ranging from 0.60 % to 1.37 %, among the highly exposed treatment groups. Our findings provide policymakers with valuable insights to support future cycling infrastructure planning and investment, demonstrating their potential net benefits even in car-dependent urban areas. By integrating these results into existing economic appraisal tools, policymakers can further assess additional benefits related to physical activity, health, and emissions reduction.

Mode Choice Effect on the Number of En-route Travelers and Arrival Rates in an Urban Transport Network

Mode Choice Effect on the Number of En-route Travelers and Arrival Rates in an Urban Transport Network