UCI Commuting Behavior Presented By: Irene Tang on May 15, 2004 at the University of California, Irvine

Why Study Commuting Behavior?

So that we can: Increase efficiency Fulfill Needs Encourage alternative transportation To understand: Commuting Patterns Commuting Needs Commuting Attitudes

Current research studies the question of mode choice. Commuting Mode Choice What factors influence their decision? How do people choose which transportation mode to take?

Factors Affecting Mode Choice Individual Factors: The influence of personal needs and desires. Urban Design Factors: The influence of the built environment.

The University: A Unique Community Unique & viable alternative transportation available Unique student schedules Unique student lifestyles This makes for a fascinating research opportunity.

Methods Student Interviews Results were developed into Surveys Designed to evaluate students’ current Travel Patterns and students’ Attitudes concerning current UCI transportation issues, including Parking & Alternative Transportation.

Methods Surveys were distributed in: Classrooms Residence Halls Respondents were:

The UCI Campus

Results (Commuting Patterns) While most East Campus students indeed take the shuttle as their primary mode to campus, over 30% of students consider driving to be their secondary mode to campus.

Results (Commuting Patterns) Over 50% of East Campus residents walk to campus at least once per week, but they also drive to campus at least once per week. Driving is not environmentally conscious behavior, nor is it good for student health.

Results (Commuting Needs) Over 80% of East Campus Students and 74% of all students are on campus beyond the hours of 8am – 5pm regularly. 73% of East Campus Students and 56% of all students travel to campus more than once per day.

Results (Commuting Attitudes) Regression Analysis showed: Distance, Schedule, and Energy are not a significant factors in the decision to walk or bike. Safety: Only significant attitudinal factor found for walking/biking is whether respondent feels it is safe. Car: Those who own a car are more likely to believe that walking/biking is inconvenient. East Campus Residents’ Walking/Biking attitudes.

Results (Commuting Attitudes) Interviews showed: The shuttle “requires the least planning ahead.” It is “simple…you get on, you sit, and then you get off…it’s easy.” Regression Analysis showed: Convenience: Those who do not often think about how they travel to campus are more likely to believe that the shuttle is convenient. & those who believe that the shuttle is convenient are more likely to take the shuttle. East Campus Residents’ Shuttling attitudes.

Discussion Mode Choice: Urban Design or Individual? Urban Design Factors:Individual Factors: Distance Safety Schedule Convenience Energy Car Convenience Distance Energy Safety Schedule (-) (+) (-) (+) (-) (+)

Summary We gathered information about East Campus Students’: Commuting Patterns Commuting Needs Commuting Attitudes We found that their patterns do not have positive environmental behavior nor are they beneficial to student health. Their needs are very demanding. They must travel to campus several times per day and are on campus at odd hours. Both individual and urban design factors affect mode choice attitudes of students.

Conclusion Future Research: Experimental Study Larger Sample Size More diverse population

Acknowledgements Many thanks to: My advisor and mentor: Professor Marlon Boarnet & Professor Kristen Day Professor Craig Anderson Professor Valerie Jenness Tracy McMillan Mariela Alfonzo Layal Nawfal & My Family and Friends For their guidance and encouragement This project was funded by The UCI Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program

Please send inquiries to: Irene Tang Department of Planning, Policy and Design University of California, Irvine