The impacts of transport infrastructure development on travel route switch behavior in Bangladesh

Abstract

A better understanding of individuals’ route switch behavior is required to take the best possible interventions to alleviate roadway traffic congestion. The impact of different transport infrastructure, including new roads, highways, and motorways, on reducing traffic congestion and travel time savings was reported in the literature. However, the effect of flyovers on travel route switch behavior remains unexplored, particularly in developing countries. Therefore, this study investigates individuals’ route switch behavior due to the construction of flyovers in Bangladesh. An intercept survey was conducted to collect data from flyover users in Dhaka. A chi-square test was used for categorical variables and one-way ANOVA was performed for continuous variables to compare participants’ socio-economic and travel characteristics with their route switch behavior. A multiple response set was used to determine why participants were not using the same or alternative travel route for regular trip purposes. Using a binary logit model, the study found a significant association between flyover users’ socio-economic and travel characteristics, and their travel route switch behavior. Flyover users who changed their route traveled more kilometers and generated more trips compared to flyover users who did not change their routes. Flyover users were also switched travel routes to save their travel time. Transport planners and practitioners should consider individuals’ route switch behavior when planning for new transport infrastructure to reduce traffic congestion, particularly in large cities such as Dhaka, Bangladesh. Future studies should also explore individuals’ route switch behavior in other urban settings.