Intercity Commuting in Metropolitan Regions: A Mode Choice Analysis of Commuters Traveling to Dhaka from Nearby Cities

Abstract

Metropolitan regions are increasingly facing the challenges of a growing number of intercity commuting trips. Yet existing literature on this topic, particularly in the context of developing countries, is limited. This study focuses on the travel behavior of intercity commuters in the Dhaka Metropolitan Region. A binomial logit model is used to examine the mode choice between bus and rail, based on survey data collected from daily commuters who travel to Dhaka City from its nearby urban centers. The results show that commuters' sociodemographic characteristics (such as income and professional status, whether a student or not), mode attributes (such as travel time, travel cost, and additional transfer), and level of importance that is attached to transit service quality (such as comfort, seat availability, and reliability) significantly influence the mode choice decision of commuters. In addition, the model examines the predicted mode share for improved transit scenarios. Finally, this study highlights the implications of these findings for Dhaka's transportation policy.