Commuting Mode Choice of Suburban University Population and Potential Sustainable Transportation Systems: The Case of Najran University

Abstract

Decreasing automobile dependence is an important public policy among those commuting to suburban universities. This study focuses on travel behavior, transportation mode choices, and their determinants of Najran University, a suburban university. A questionnaire survey was distributed to faculty members, staff, and students. Based on statistical analyses and multinomial logit models, the results show that the average daily commuting distance is 41 km, and the average trip duration is 46 min. Most of the commuters drive alone, although some rideshare or use buses, especially females. Male students and married members show more of a tendency to use alternative transportation modes than driving alone, but male faculty members and staff show positive utility for driving alone. The longer the trip, the higher the probability of carpooling for males. On the other hand, female staff and faculty members increase the propensity of commuting alone with a chauffeur or carpooling. Females who spend around 50 min commuting to campus are less likely to use alternative transportation modes. The study concludes by setting some recommendations and a framework for implementing, administrating, and enhancing sustainable transportation modes that can make a zero-carbon transportation network is within reach.