Behavioural decisions of travel-time ratios for work, maintenance and leisure activities in the Netherlands.

Abstract

Using the 2005 Dutch National Travel Survey data-set this paper investigates the influences of socio-demographics, journey patterns and built environment factors on the ratio of travel time and activity duration that an individual spends when engaging in work, daily shopping, non-daily shopping and sport/recreation activities. The results show that socio-demographics and other variables have unique influence on each type of activity. The travel-time ratios (TTRs) of some activities are more varied across the population whilst some have more ‘acceptable’ ratios. The interaction between activity duration and travel time is also unique for each socio-demographic group. For example, given the same amount of travel time, males will spend significantly less time on shopping than females; whilst for sports and recreational activities males will spend more time on than their female counterpart. By understanding individuals’ different TTR values for different activities, the TTR can be an important guide when providing activity locations which in turn can help in creating sustainable urban transport conditions.