MODE CHOICE MODELLING OF PARATRANSIT MODES IN TRINIDAD

Abstract

: The objective of this research was to develop a mode choice model in a small island developing states (SIDS), specifically the island of Trinidad. The public transportation system of Trinidad is dominated by paratransit modes, which have developed out of necessity due to the inadequacy of the state-owned bus service. Most modal choice models, calibrated from data in developed countries, do not consider the impacts of such para-transit modes in the choice behaviour of commuters. This research develops a discrete mode choice model based on the revealed preferences of commuters and their subjective assessment of the characteristics of the modes. The results from a nested logit model showed that in-vehicle travel time was a significant factor for the sample, while travel cost, was unimportant in the travellers’ mode choice. Large mode-specific constants were estimated in the utility equation when compared to the other variables. This indicated a bias by individuals toward specific modes. This can be due to the current status of the public transportation system. Results highlighted that travellers, consider the illegal “PH” Taxis share more similarities to the private vehicle than to other public transportation modes. This is a significant result that can dictate the development of future policies. This research has shown the importance of incorporating paratransit modes in the mode choice models of SIDS. Future work should consider integrating latent class variables in the model analysis.