Mode Choice Modelling of Paratransit Modes in Trinidad

Abstract

The objective of this research was to develop a mode choice model in a small island developing states (SIDS), specifically the island of Trinidad. The public transportation system of Trinidad is dominated by paratransit modes, which have developed out of necessity due to the inadequacy of the state-owned bus service. Most modal choice models, calibrated from data in developed countries, do not consider the impacts of such para-transit modes in the choice behaviour of commuters. This research develops a discrete mode choice model based on the revealed preferences of commuters and their subjective assessment of the characteristics of the modes. The results from a nested logit model showed that invehicle travel time was a significant factor for the sample, while travel cost, was unimportant in the travellers' mode choice. Large mode-specific constants were estimated in the utility equation when compared to the other variables. This indicated a bias by individuals toward specific modes. This can be due to the current status of the public transportation system. Results highlighted that travellers, consider the illegal "PH" Taxis share more similarities to the private vehicle than to other public transportation modes. This is a significant result that can dictate the development of future policies. This research has shown the importance of incorporating paratransit modes in the mode choice models of SIDS. Future work should consider integrating latent class variables in the model analysis.

Sustainable Development Goal 11 and a New Urban Agenda for Caribbean Small Island Developing States: Policy, Practice, and Action

“…Internationally, Trinidad is in the top 12 countries with significant gasoline subsidies which is an additional factor that promotes high automobile ownership (Government of Trinidad and Tobago, 2017). Due to its wealth, the country has a high per capita car ownership of over 500 vehicles per 1,000 persons (Wright and Townsend, 2020).…”