Retrospective cross-sectional observational study on commuters' travel behaviour and preferences in Delhi: Impact of built environment, individual attitude and socio-economic factors

Abstract

This study examines the factors influencing the travel behaviour of Delhi's working population, utilizing retrospective cross-sectional data from 2005 to 2019 collected across four neighbourhoods. The research provides empirical evidence on how travel mode choices have evolved over time in response to changes in the built environment and socioeconomic conditions. GIS-based analysis was conducted to assess the impact of temporal variations in the built environment on travel behaviour. Results reveal a 21% increase in the reliance on private modes of transportation between 2005 and 2019, with the most significant rise observed in 4-wheeler usage. Conversely, bus usage declined by 32%, attributed to various factors including overcrowding, hygiene concerns, and perceived reliability issues. However, in 2019, Connaught Place reported the highest bus usage at 28%, attributed to its high bus stop density, while enhanced metro facilities across the neighbourhoods led to a 20% increase in overall metro ridership. Multinomial logistic regression analysis identified key socioeconomic determinants of travel behaviour, including age, gender, income, vehicle ownership, and commuter attitude. In 2005, two-wheeler preference over buses was primarily driven by vehicle ownership (O.R.: 620.95), gender (O.R.: 4.20), and income (O.R.: 1.28). By 2019, commuter attitude (ProPV) emerged as a significant factor, alongside vehicle ownership (O.R.: 136.72), ProPV (O.R.: 21.41), and income (O.R.: 2.14). A similar trend was observed for car usage, highlighting the increasing influence of commuter behaviour and attitudes on travel choices over time. These findings underscore critical policy implications for the development and enhancement of Delhi's transport system, offering insights that could be applicable to other cities facing similar challenges.