Understanding Influencing Factors of Travel Mode Choice in Urban-Suburban Travel: A Case Study in Shanghai

Abstract

After the rapid expansion of the subway system over the past two decades, some cities are preparing to build more suburban railways. The emergence of suburban railways is bound to change the choice of suburban passenger transportation. This paper studies the factors that affect the choice of travel mode at the construction stage of suburban railways, aiming to design a more rational suburban railway network and urban public transport service system. Taking Shanghai as an example, this study first surveyed revealed preference (RP) and stated preference (SP) among urban-suburban travelers. Then, we used discrete choice models (DCM) and machine learning algorithms to build a travel mode choice model based on data collection and analysis. Furthermore, the importance of each factor was analyzed, and the effects were predicted under several traffic demand management schemes. Finally, this study proposed some strategies for increasing the share of public transport. On the one hand, it is suggested that Shanghai should continue to develop suburban railways and maintain low pricing of public transport services. Considering the construction and operation costs, the government needs to provide certain subsidies to stabilize prices. On the other hand, as passengers are very sensitive to the “last mile” trips in their suburban railway travel, transport planners should strengthen the connection from and to the suburban railway stations by developing services such as shared bikes and shuttle buses. In addition, the results indicated that some traffic demand management measures can also contribute to a larger share of public transport.

Exploring Modal Choices for Sustainable Urban Mobility: Insights from the Porto Metropolitan Area in Portugal

“…Individuals with higher education levels preferred AMs, highlighting the importance of education about the benefits of sustainable transport [16,23,52]. Moreover, higher per capita income was correlated with a greater inclination toward PMVs, possibly due to higher financial resources [2,3]. Those without PMVs or who drove infrequently also preferred AMs.…”

“…Transitioning from these challenges, attempts to enhance urban mobility practices in the AMP encompass key aspects, including addressing accessibility challenges, effectively managing pollutant emissions, and integrating land use with transport planning. Such measures are essential for overcoming the mobility challenges in rapidly growing metropolitan areas [1,3,9,16].…”

“…It highlights the importance of considering factors such as financial constraints, physical limitations, and the availability of transportation options when developing policies and interventions to improve transport equity and accessibility for vulnerable populations [8,24,25,74]. This may include improving the accessibility of public transportation, enhancing support services for individuals with physical limitations, and exploring innovative transportation solutions to ensure equitable and efficient mobility options for all [3,10,14,16,27,32].…”

“…Efficient and sustainable urban mobility is crucial in contemporary cities, demanding a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing individuals' modal choices [1][2][3]. Like many urban regions, the Porto Metropolitan Area (AMP) in Portugal faces numerous transport-related challenges, including traffic congestion, air pollution, and the health implications of sedentary lifestyles [4][5][6].…”

Integrated Optimization of Train Diagrams and Rolling Stock Circulation with Full-Length and Short-Turn Routes of Virtual Coupling Trains in Urban Rail Transit

“…This paper presents an operational strategy for optimizing both full-length and shortturn routes using virtual coupling technology. We have developed an integrated optimization model that minimizes passenger travel time and operational costs, taking into account the variability in passenger flow [37][38][39][40]. This model includes constraints related to station services, train operations, virtual coupling, rolling stock circulation, and passenger ride selection.…”