Sustainable travel behaviour in Saudi Arabia and gender differences: An investigation of car sharing feasibility

Abstract

In order to increase efficiency and sustainability, it is of crucial importance to have an in depth understanding and investigation of travellers' behaviour, preferences, attitudes and choices. In this context, this paper investigates car-sharing as a mode for travel for work trips in Tabuk city for both male and female travellers. Tabuk is one of the regional capitals situated in north-western Saudi Arabia, which has recently generated enormous intra-and inter-city transportation demand due its rapid economic growth and due to recent oil and gas based growth economy in recent years. Investigation of the characteristics of trip makers which impact on the decision of selecting car-sharing as a mode of travel is presented for each of the males and females. In this context, this paper investigates the feasibility of car sharing schemes in Saudi Arabia and the impacts of gender on the use of this mode of travel for work trips in Tabuk city. The analysis presented in the paper provide an addition to practice and academic work in the area of investigations of choices of modes of travel and factors which contribute to it in Saudi Arabia (SA). In addition, SA is a developing country with unique cultural and traffic characteristics, to encourage further enhancement and utilization of this mode. Further investigations in these areas are still needed.