Mode choice analysis for work trips of urban residents using multinomial logit model

Transportation plays a significant role in the development of a country, emphasizing the importance of transportation planning. Mode choice analysis is crucial to transportation planning, particularly in urban areas where work trips contribute to peak-hour congestion. The mode choice behavior of urban residents is vital, as it influences the overall efficiency of travel within the city. The selection of a specific mode significantly impacts travel time, riding comfort, safety, noise exposure, and travel cost. The Multinomial Logit (MNL) model is an effective technique for estimating mode shares when trip makers have more than two choices of travel modes available. In this study, a Stated Choice (SC) survey instrument was developed to gather information about socio-economic characteristics and hypothetical scenario preferences from work trip commuters of urban residents. The MNL model was built using NLOGIT 4.0 software, and the results illustrate how parameters such as travel time, riding comfort, safety, noise exposure, and travel cost relate to and influence various transportation modes. This study focuses on constructing the MNL model and formulating utility functions for different modes of travel. The MNL model and utility functions provide valuable insights into the mode choice behavior of urban residents, which can inform transportation planning decisions. The analysis reveals that safety is the highest priority for commuters in a new mode of transportation, followed by comfort and safety. These findings are crucial for policymakers and practitioners in urban development and transportation infrastructure improvement in mid-sized cities of emerging nations. To meet commuters’ expectations and enhance the transportation experience, a new mode should prioritize high comfort and safety levels.