Networkwide Impact of Telework in Urban Areas: Case Study of Bangalore, India

Abstract

Information and communication technology (ICT) is becoming ubiquitous, fuelled by the growing popularity of advanced equipment, apps, and high-bandwidth Internet connections. Individuals have been provided with virtual accessibility to a wide range of services by ICT, resulting in transformation of activity and travel behavior of people. This study has analyzed the effects of ICT on activity and travel patterns and estimated the networkwide impact of telework in urban areas based on the data collected from workers from the information technology (IT) capital of India, Bangalore. The analysis was carried out sequentially with factor analysis, structural equation modeling, and urban transport model runs using transport modeling software. Four scenarios were tested for the current and future year. The impact of telework on the transport network characteristics and environmental parameters was assessed. Model results revealed a reduction in vehicle kilometers traveled (VKT) and vehicle hours traveled (VHT) of approximately 1.90 and 3.6% at present, with further reduction to 3.2 and 6.10%, respectively, in next 5 years. Overall transport network delay reduced by a maximum of 6% at present to 9% in a period of 5 years. Peak-hour emissions were reduced for current and future scenarios.