The Role of Commuter Benefits in Shaping the Decision to Walk, Cycle, or Ride Public Transport to Work in the Washington, DC Region

摘要

This study examines the relationship between commuter benefits and the likelihood to walk,cycle, or ride public transport to work in the Washington, DC region. The analysis examinesindividual level commute data along with information about multiple categories of commuterbenefits, such as free car parking, public transport benefits and workplace facilities for cyclistsand pedestrians. Data about full-time workers originate from the 2007/2008 Washington, DCHousehold Travel Survey. Results of a multinomial logistic regression model indicate that freecar parking is significantly associated with lower levels of commuting by public transport as wellas less walking and cycling to work. Public transport benefits are associated with higher levels ofcommuting by public transport as well as more walking and cycling to work. Benefits forwalking and cycling are associated with higher levels of walking and cycling to work, as well aspublic transport use. Employees simultaneously offered free car parking, public transportbenefits, and benefits for walking and cycling are significantly less likely to choose publictransport. This suggests that free car parking may effectively counterweigh the incentives forwalking, cycling, and public transport when benefit packages include free car parking alongsideincentives for other modes. Results for control variables have expected signs and most aresignificant. Limitations of the study, relating to endogeneity, selection bias, and omittedvariables, are discussed. These findings are consistent with other studies of commuting in theWashington, DC region as well as other studies of transportation mode choice and commuterbenefits.