Urban Structure and Modal Split in the Journey to Work

Abstract

Relationships between modal split for the journey to work and patterns of social and economic activity in large urban areas are investigated in this paper. Small zone data from six major land-use transportation studies were used as a basis for a systematic comparative analysis of these relationships. Three of the studies were British (London, West Midlands and SELNEC) and three American (Tri-State, Penn-Jersey and Los Angeles). Standard correlation and regression programmes were employed on a wide range of data, using three different models. The results reveal the overriding influence of car ownership on modal split, but also demonstrate the limitations imposed by urban structure in the form of employment and population densities.

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