Exploring the Dynamics in the Travel Decisions: A Panel Data Analysis of Trip Chaining and Mode Choice in Hyderabad, India

• Published in: Journal of the Institution of Engineers (India). Series A, Civil, architectural, environmental and agricultural Engineering Civil, architectural, environmental and agricultural Engineering, 2023-12, Vol.104 (4), p.855-866
• Main Authors: Tejaswi, S. Padma, Prasad, C. S. R. K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chaining; Chains; Civil Engineering; Complexity; Data analysis; Decision analysis; Decision making; Developing countries; Engineering; LDCs; Longitudinal studies; Modal choice; Original Contribution; Ownership; Public transportation; Ridership; Structural equation modeling; Travel
• ISSN: 2250-2149; 2250-2157
• DOI: 10.1007/s40030-023-00757-2

Hyderabad, a rapidly developing city in India, has seen a surge in private vehicle ownership due to its growing economy. As vehicle ownership increases, trip-makers are more likely to rely on their personal vehicles because of their flexibility in allowing for multiple stops. This contributes to a more complex travel behaviour, which emphasises the importance of understanding the interrelationship between mode choice and trip chain patterns and their influence on travel decisions. While previous studies have concentrated on the decision-making between trip chaining and mode choice using cross-sectional data, this study uses panel data to gain insights into travel behaviour changes over time in a developing country context. The present study examines the changes in travel decisions concerning trip chaining and mode choice over a period of 4 years. Structural equation modelling (SEM) is used to test the hypothesis of the decision hierarchy, with separate models developed for work and non-work trips by active modes, public and private transport users. The data sets of 2012 and 2016 reveal changes in travel behaviour over time. The results indicate that the increased vehicle ownership has led to a significant change in travel decisions and an increase in the complexity of trip chain patterns. Specifically, the study finds a change from simultaneous decision-making between trip chaining and mode choice to clear precedence of mode choice for non-work trips, while work trips exhibit the opposite trend. These findings provide valuable insights for revising planning strategies to increase public transport ridership in developing country contexts.