Analysis of factors affecting vehicle choice behavior in Hanoi city

Motorcycles are rapidly changing transportation in Vietnamese cities. Motorcycles are dominant in all sixty-three provinces/cities of Vietnam and accounted for nearly 80 percent of passenger transportation. The sharp rise in motorcycle ownership and usage has contributed to several unique motorcycle-related transportation challenges in Vietnam, which are different from those in developed countries where car usage is predominant. These challenges include a high frequency of motorcycle-related accidents and fatalities; and increasing motorcycle-related pollution and congestion. To address these challenges, policymakers in Vietnam have introduced policies that promote alternative transportation modes replacing motorcycles. This study adopts a vehicle user perspective to elucidate the factors influencing the choice of alternative means of transportation instead of motorbikes. The study was conducted through 800 sample surveys among individuals in Hanoi. In addition to the conventional factors included in the model, such as demographics and socio-economic characteristics, trip attributes, vehicle characteristics, subjective norms, awareness, and the appeal of alternative transport modes… This study introduces two additional factors: attitude to vehicles and health awareness. These additions are based on the cultural characteristics and transportation context unique to the capital. The research demonstrates that cultural factors influence the choice of transportation means. Specifically, family structure and attitudes towards vehicles emerge as major barriers to altering the preference for motorbikes in urban areas. Additionally, health awareness is shown to be a factor influencing transportation choices. The findings of this research will contribute to the theoretical foundation for shaping the vehicle management policies of Hanoi capital in the future.