How Far is Too Far?

Abstract

It is widely believed that providing activity locations close to residential locations reduces the travel time of residents. However, it has not been clear how close to one another activity locations and residential locations should be. The Dutch National Travel Survey and a travel time ratio index were used to measure acceptable travel times in relation to duration times of various activities. The results show that the value of an individual travel time ratio depends on the type of activity, individual commitments, available travel mode, and activity locations. Each activity has a unique tradeoff relationship between activity duration and travel time. Each activity also has its own turnover point–-a point at which increased activity duration will lead to less instead of more travel time. The analysis also shows that the travel time ratio value is influenced not only by an individual's activity commitments, resources, and constraints but also by the trade-off within households.