Heterogeneity in Valuation of Travel Time Reliability and In-Vehicle Crowding for Mode Choices in Multimodal Networks

Abstract

To support scientific planning and management of transportation systems, this paper carries out comprehensive stated preference (SP) surveys to investigate commuters’ mode choice behavior in multimodal networks. Efficient scenarios are designed using the utility-balance principle to incorporate four commonly used commuting modes and four decisive factors influencing mode choices. Random parameter logit (RPL) models are used to estimate commuters’ willingness to pay (WTP) quantitatively and explore preference heterogeneity. In particular, the potential factors yielding heterogeneity in valuation of travel time reliability (TTR) and in-vehicle crowding are identified. The results indicate large heterogeneities in WTP for TTR improvement and in-vehicle crowding reduction. Demographic attributes (age and education), commuting distance, and time schedule variables (flexible work time and departure time constraints) could partially explain travelers’ heterogeneity in WTP for TTR. Age, gender, income, and education levels are identified as having significant influences on WTP for reducing in-vehicle crowding. This study provides useful references for transport demand forecasting and implications for transport policy-making in a multimodal network.