Urban Mobility Mode Shift to Active Transport: Sociodemographic Dependency and Potential Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction

• Main Authors: Ng, Kah Mun, Yuen, Choon Wah, Onn, Chiu Chuen, Ibrahim, Nik Ibtishamiah
• Format: Article
• Published: SAGE Publications 2024
• Subjects: TK Electrical engineering. Electronics Nuclear engineering
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/45883/; https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440241228644

The aim of this study was to explore the association between travel mode choice and individual sociodemographic characteristics among urban city dwellers, as the selection of daily travel modes is influenced by several factors. The study collected 1,290 short daily trips data from 415 respondents living in Klang Valley using a random sampling technique. Logit regression models were utilized to identify the impact of sociodemographic traits on travel mode choices. Men, low education levels, students, and households without children and do not own private vehicles are more likely to choose active transportation. Besides, the study examines the potential for greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction. Based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), 142 kgCO2e or 108 kgCO2e/km of GHG were released by automobiles from the collected travel trip data. The result shows that active transport could potentially achieve 14.52% GHG emission reduction by stated preference and nearly 17% GHG emission reduction by criteria fulfillment. These findings could provide valuable information for developing practical planning policies aimed at reducing GHG emissions from the road transport sector. The purpose of this study was to investigate how individual sociodemographic traits influence travel mode choices among urban residents in Klang Valley, Malaysia. The study collected data from 415 participants regarding their daily short trips. It discovered that men, individuals with lower education levels, students, and those without private vehicles tended to prefer active transportation like walking or cycling, whereas women, highly educated individuals, and vehicle owners were more inclined to drive. Additionally, the study examined the environmental impact of different travel modes, revealing that cars produced the highest greenhouse gas emissions, followed by motorcycles and buses. In contrast, cycling generated the least emissions. Notably, active transport, such as walking and bicycling, had the potential to reduce emissions by 14.52% for short car trips and 3.66% for short walking trips. The findings suggest the importance of considering sociodemographic factors when planning transportation policies. Policymakers can encourage those who drive to shift to more sustainable modes of transport, like public transportation or active travel, especially for short distances. This shift has the potential to reduce carbon emissions and benefit both individuals and the environment.