Paper Details

TRB 90th Annual Meeting (January 23-27, 2011)

Event Number:	759
Event Title:	Travelers' Attitudes and Perceptions
Event Date:	Jan 27 2011 8:00AM- 9:45AM
Event Location:	Hilton, Georgetown West
Event Description:
Event Agenda:

Attitude, Built Environment, and Mode-Switching Behavior (11-2841)

Abstract. While attitude has been demonstrated to be an important construct in explaining travel behavior, there is also evidence supporting the reverse link from behavior to attitude. On the other hand, numerous studies emphasized the impact of built environment on travel behavior. Yet, the effect of the built environment in changing travel behavior becomes ambiguous when attitudes are brought in. In this study, we investigate the confluence of attitude, built environment, and mode switching behavior. We used the Puget Sound Panel Dataset to obtain a sample of subjects who either used the same mode (SOV or carpool) in two waves or switched from one mode to another. We also obtained variables measuring subjects’ attitudes in both waves as well as changes in the built environment. Two Structural Equations Models were estimated. We find evidence supporting both directions in the attitude and behavior relationship—in particular, the attitude-to-behavior link is supported in the SOV to carpool model and the reverse link is found in the carpool to SOV model. The built environment effect varies with the behavioral context—in the carpool to SOV model, the built environment is found to influence attitudes via changing behavior; in the SOV to carpool model, the built environment effect is insignificant. The study results suggest different policies to be developed to encourage carpooling over SOV.

Authors
     Wang, Tingting , University of Washington
     Chen, Cynthia , University of Washington