Commuting mode choice in transit oriented development: Disentangling the effects of competitive neighbourhoods, travel attitudes, and self-selection
This research identifies the commuting mode choice behaviour of 3537 adults living in different types
of transit oriented development (TOD) in Brisbane by disentangling the effects of their “evil twin”
transit adjacent developments (TADs), and by also controlling for residential self-selection, travel
attitudes and preferences, and socio-demographic effects. A TwoStep cluster analysis was conducted
to identify the natural groupings of respondents’ living environment based on six built environment
indicators. The analysis resulted in five types of neighbourhoods: urban TODs, activity centre TODs,
potential TODs, TADs, and traditional suburbs. HABITAT survey data were used to derive the
commute mode choice behaviour of people living in these neighbourhoods. In addition, statements
reflecting both respondents’ travel attitudes and living preferences were also collected as part of the
survey. Factor analyses were conducted based on these statements and these derived factors were
then used to control for residential self-selection. Four binary logistic regression models were
estimated, one for each of the travel modes used (e.g. public transport, active transport, less
sustainable transport such as the car/taxi, and other), to differentiate between the commuting
behaviour of people living in the five types of neighbourhoods. The findings verify that urban TODs
enhance the use of public transport and reduce car usage. No significant difference was found in the
commuting behaviour between respondents living in traditional suburbs and TADs. The results
confirm the hypothesis that TADs are the “evil twin” of TODs. The data indicates that TADs and the
mode choices of residents in these neighbourhoods is a missed transport policy opportunity. Further
policy efforts are required for a successive transition of TADs into TODs in order to realise the full
benefits of these. TOD policy should also be integrated with context specific TOD design principles.