Research Reports
Report Details

Title:	Travel Behavior and Mobility of Transportation-Disadvantaged Populations: Evidence from the National Household Travel Survey
Authors:	Jeremy Mattson
Publication Date:	Dec 2012
Report #:	DP-258
TRID #:	01469934
Keywords:	age groups, diseases and medical conditions, gender, logits, mobility, mode choice, public transit, transportation disadvantaged persons, travel behavior, trip length, trip purpose
Type:	Research Report – Department Publications

Abstract

Older adults, people with disabilities, individuals in low-income households, and those living in rural areas can face significant mobility challenges. This study examines travel behavior and mobility of these transportation-disadvantaged groups by analyzing data from the National Household Travel Survey (NHTS). NHTS data on driving, trip frequency, staying in the same place all day or week, miles driven per year, mode choice, use of public transportation, trip purpose, trip distance, and issues and concerns regarding transportation are highlighted. Differences are shown by age group, gender, household income, whether a person has a disability or condition affecting ability to travel, and whether the individual lives in a rural or urban area. Differences between 2001 and 2009 are documented to identify trends in travel behavior. A binary logit model is used to estimate whether an individual took a trip during the day or week. For those who have not taken a trip for more than a day, a negative binomial logit model is used to estimate the number of days since the last trip. For those who have not taken a trip in more than a week, a binary logit model is used to identify the characteristics of those who would like to get out more often. Lastly, cluster analysis was used to identify transportation disadvantaged groups. NHTS survey respondents were clustered into 12 groups based on household income, age, gender, household size, and if they had a medical condition affecting their ability to travel, and the travel behavior of each cluster was analyzed.

How to Cite

Mattson, Jeremy. Travel Behavior and Mobility of Transportation-Disadvantaged Populations: Evidence from the National Household Travel Survey, DP-258. North Dakota State University, Fargo: Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute, 2012.