Empirical Analysis of a Mode Shift to Using Public Bicycles to Access the Suburban Metro: Survey of Nanjing, China

Abstract

The combined use of a public bicycle system (PBS) and transit is considered a green and efficient travel mode, yet few studies have focused on users’ perceptions of this integrated mode. This study investigated commuters who recently began using PBS to access the metro, referred to herein as the metro-PBS, and commuters who drive to work in suburban Nanjing, China, which is an area where PBS is in early developmental stages. First, a survey was conducted to obtain the personal characteristics of the metro-PBS users and their before-and-after commuting experiences. Then, a comparative analysis was performed, which revealed that saving time, energy, and money are the critical motivating factors of their mode shift behavior. The users’ personal characteristics vary with their previous modes, but the users are generally characterized as well educated with regard to environmental protection. In contrast to many other bike sharing investigations, the results showed a significant motor vehicle trip substitution. Another survey was conducted to investigate drivers’ perceptions of the metro-PBS. Of the respondents, 62.8% exhibited a willingness to change to metro-PBS. A binary logit model was built to reveal the factors affecting mode selection behavior, and the key factors identified were gender, employment status, and the comfort level associated with travel experiences. Male motorists who are lower-level employees or have unpleasant commute experiences are more likely to be attracted to metro-PBS. Based on the findings, suggestions are presented for building a user-friendly metro-PBS system that attracts motorists. This case study concludes that metro-PBS can be an ideal travel mode for suburban commuters and thus can contribute to reducing car travel under some circumstances.