Exploring the vehicle dependence behind mode choice: Evidence of motorcycle dependence in Taipei

Abstract

We have explored vehicle dependence, taking account of subjective considerations of individual travelers. Vehicle dependence, arising from economic considerations, psychological preference, and habitual behavior, is formulated here as a subjective latent construct that acts in a person's mode choice. The Rasch model is reviewed, and suggested as an instrument to measure such a latent construct. An empirical analysis of motorcycle dependence was performed using self-rated information about eight items from 321 motorcyclists in Taipei. The empirical results showed that motorcyclists in Taipei depend on their motorcycles to achieve unaccompanied, short-distance, multistop trips; motorcyclists under the age of 25 who were inferior in economic terms and did not use an automobile showed relatively higher measures of motorcycle dependence. This paper conceptualizes vehicle dependence in terms of both its socioeconomic and its psychological nature. The results of exploring vehicle dependence should benefit researchers in modifying their formulations of mode choice, and policy makers in enacting more effective policies. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.