Mode Choice Behavior of Chittagong City Dwellers in Bangladesh

Abstract

Mode choice behaviors of citizens are quite different and it is necessary to define the causes behind this particular choice in their travel mode. The main objective of this study is to identify the travel mode choice behavior of citizens based on different characteristics like monthly income, household type, regular and short distance travel (0-2 Km) etc. A questionnaire survey was carried out at 41 wards of Chittagong City Corporation to collect responses from 1230 citizens based on specific query related to research objectives. Analysis shows that 23% respondents use rickshaw, 18% people prefer walking and rest of them use other modes of transport for short distance travel. Based on housing condition, 28% city dwellers use Bus, 20% use Car, 18% use Rickshaw and 12% use Motor-Cycle. The results also demonstrate that Bus and Car are the most popular travel mode for low monthly income (0-20000 BDT) and high monthly income (more than 60000 BDT) people respectively. It has been also found that income, household type and travel distance plays a significant role in transport mode choice. People trend to buy cars and alter their transport mode choice behavior while their income is being increased. This study will help city planners and engineers for future transport planning.