The effects of perceived walkability, bikeability, and intermodality on transport mode choice

Source abstract

Shared micromobility has grown in popularity in urban transportation, which helps to ease congestion and improve first- and last-mile connectivity. Several studies have examined transport mode choice in intermodal systems, including shared micromobility, but merely a few have incorporated perceptual factors. This research examines travelers’ preferences for intermodal trips across traditional and shared micromobility modes in Budapest. The study extends the literature by applying an integrated choice and latent variable framework that combines discrete choice analysis with latent constructs representing walkability, bikeability, and intermodality. The results confirm that travel time spent in the vehicle plays a particularly influential role for e-scooter-sharing and private cars as these modes are expected to be faster than others. Furthermore, the outcomes highlight the need to enhance walking and cycling experiences as perceptional factors are shown to strongly shape travelers’ transport mode choices. According to the elasticity analysis, a predicted potential reduction of CO 2 might be a result of shifting away from cars. Policies that minimize delays for walking and cycling through safe and dedicated routes are important as they enhance perceived walkability and bikeability, which support intermodal trips.