The spatial trend associations between socio-economic factors and households’ travel pattern in Gauteng

Abstract

It is widely believed that public transport alternatives, income levels and employment influence households’ travel patterns and modal choice. In particular, the level of employment and disposable income influences trip generation rates as well as the type of trips that are undertaken. The dual nature of Gauteng’s and South Africa’s economy creates a diverse socio-economic landscape and it is expected that this has varying effects on household travel patterns and modal choice. However, not enough is known about the relationship between socio-economic factors and households’ travel patterns in South Africa. The aim of this study is to describe the spatial trend associations between socio-economic factors and households’ travel patterns in Gauteng by analyzing data from the Gauteng Household Travel Survey. The results revealed trend associations between 1) income, employment, possession of a driver’s license and car ownership 2) income, employment and trip generation rates 3) income, employment and mode choice and 4) income, employment and type of trip. The results suggest that private cars are the preferred mode above a certain income threshold and that public transport alternatives are limited and not preferred. This study highlights that improvements in public transport alternatives can significantly influence households’ travel patterns