Factors Influencing Mode Choice Towards Kochi Water Metro: A Latent Variable Approach

Abstract

Understanding the key factors influencing the mode choice behaviour of commuters is essential for planners to develop an efficient transportation network. Traditionally, mode choice models use socio-demographic characteristics and modal attributes as explanatory variables. But there are also unobserved variables / latent variables which influence the mode choice behaviour of individuals. The present paper focuses on the factors influencing the mode choice behaviour of the commuters in the Vytilla-Infopark area in the state of Kerala, India, with the introduction of the Kochi Water Metro. A questionnaire survey was conducted based upon which factor analysis was done using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). By conducting EFA, indicator variables were analyzed to identify the latent variables which influence the attitude and behaviour of commuters. After CFA the significant latent variables that influence mode choice are comfort and convenience of the mode, concern about travel cost and travel time, the lifestyle of the commuter, and habit of the commuter. CFA was done to confirm the factors identified by EFA. The validity and reliability of these indicator variables with the latent variables are also checked after CFA to find the model fit as per the model fit indices.