Reza Sardari

Graduation Semester and Year

2018

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Planning and Public Policy

Department

Urban and Public Affairs

First Advisor

Jianling Li

Abstract

Traffic congestion is a crucial factor for understanding travel behavior. The scientific evidence has shown that traffic congestion affects air quality, public health, and economic development, but empirical studies about the effects of travel time delays on travel behavior are limited. This research aims to address this gap by developing a time-related mobility measure, or “delay score,” and analyzing its impact on VMT and commuters’ mode choices within a comprehensive framework that incorporates the built environment, demographics, and residential preference/self-selection factors. In this framework, VMT per household and travel mode choice were examined using SEM and GSEM techniques, respectively. This study used travel survey data from the 2015 Puget Sound Regional Council to analyze household daily VMT and commuter mode choice. Using GPS-based travel survey data combined with spatial analysis techniques, secondary data sources were considered in the analysis to examine factors such as VMT, non-motorized travel, and transit use. Built environment variables were measured at both the origins and destinations of trips. The study also incorporated socioeconomic and residential self-selection variables. Subsequently, factor analysis was used to represent residential self-selection and the land use density dimension of the built environment. The findings indicate that higher travel time delay is associated with lower VMT per household, as doubling delay is associated with a 20 percent decrease in household VMT. The findings provide support for policies and regulations aiming to increase density and mixed-use development, reduce road capacity, and improve walkability and access to transit. Increasing the cost of driving relative to other modes is one strategy supported by smart growth policies to reduce VMT and encourage taking public transit or choosing non-motorized modes of travel. The findings suggest that access to free parking at workplaces encourages workers to drive alone, whereas providing free transit passes encourages them to take transit. Additionally, the results indicate that vehicle ownership—as a mid-term indicator—is more related to socioeconomic factors, whereas daily VMT—as a short-term indicator—is more related to built environment factors and residential self-selection. Future research should examine the effects of traffic congestion longitudinally and attempt to analyze disaggregated data at the national level to further our understanding of traffic congestion and its impacts on travel behavior.

Keywords

Travel behavior, VMT, Mode choice, Built environment, SEM, GSEM, Traffic congestion, Travel time delay

Disciplines

Public Affairs | Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Comments

Degree granted by The University of Texas at Arlington

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