Investigating Dhaka-Khulna (N8) Expressway Commuters’ Perceptions on Travel Mode Choice Activity Patterns: Using Multinomial Logistic Regression Model

This paper investigates the Dhaka-Khulna (N8) expressway commuters’ perception on travel mode choice activity patterns. Hence, a well-structured questionnaire is prepared that includes the participants’ socio-demographic profile, travel history, safety issues, and perceptions. Randomly, 300 commuters are chosen for a face-to-face interview. The qualitative datasets are analyzed using a multinomial logistic regression (MLR) model. Analysis shows that 58% of commuters are traveling for private job purposes; their age and monthly income range are 25–40 years and Tk. 10,000–20,000, respectively. Commuters travel by bus (49.3%), auto-rickshaw (17%), motorcycle (11%), rickshaw (10.7%), car (7%), bicycle (4%), and walking (1%). Among them about 29% bus users travel cost is between Tk. 100–300 on a daily basis. However, they are enjoying travel of long distance within a short time, highway safety measures, scenic daytime and nighttime roadside beauty, and amicable tree plantations. But participants significantly stated that roadside electric poles and large billboards harm this highway's aesthetic and natural beauty. Also, it has become accident-prone for young bikers and car drivers’ reckless driving. This research will help the highway authorities to improve public transportation facilities by prioritizing commuters’ travel activity patterns.