The influence of activity-travel patterns on the success of VTBC

The objective of this work is to verify how the complexity of activity-travel patterns may influence the propensity to change travel behaviour in the context of a Voluntary Travel Behaviour Change (VTBC) programme. Data used in this work was drawn from a VTBC programme implemented in Cagliari, Italy between 2011 and 2012, for promoting the use of an underutilised Light Rail service (LR). A descriptive comparative analysis of activity–travel patterns recorded before and after the delivery of a personalised travel plan was reported. In addition to the descriptive analysis, a panel Probit model is proposed to further understand the influence of complex trip-chaining behaviours on the propensity to change travel behaviours. The results indicate that when individuals are presented with a convenient transport alternative that allows them to flexibly chain their activities, the propensity to use a sustainable mode of transport increases. Abbreviations: ABA: activity – based analysis; AW: after work tour; BW: before work tour; CMS: casteddu mobility styles; CW: complex working day; HWC: home to work commute tour; LR: light rail; NHB: non home based tour; NNW: non work tour; NW: non working day; P & R: park and rider; PP & R: prospective park and rider; PTP: personalised travel plan; SW: simple working day; VTBC: voluntary travel behaviour change; WB: work based tour