Preferences for vehicle ownership and mode choice for commuting trips in Córdoba City

Abstract

This study presents a nested logit model integrating mode choice decisions for commuting trips, private vehicle ownership and the preferences for car and motorcycle buying as a response to changes in transport modes level of services. The estimation results confirm the hypothesis of interdependence between urban travel mode choice for commuting based on transport modes service levels and the car and motorcycle ownership decision. A scenario analysis and the calculation of demand elasticities allowed us to determine the sensitivity of transport mode use and private vehicle buying preferences to changes in urban travel conditions. Particularly, there would be significant sensitivity of car buying preferences to parking costs and also worse bus travel times could encourage car and motorcycle buying decisions in the short run aggravating the current traffic congestion conditions at rush hours. Also, there is scope for further research, evaluation and implementation of policies such as “guided buses” or “exclusive lanes for transit services” in order to cope with urban traffic congestion promoting the use of public transport alternatives.