Understanding Behaviour: Insights into Travel, Safety, and Demand
Explore the behavioural factors influencing transport decisions, from analysing trip duration through a gendered lens and assessing travel time savings on Sydney's toll roads, to navigating safety in recreational boating for children. Delve into the econometrics of unimodal versus multimodal trip demand and discover how understanding human behaviour drives better transport outcomes and risk mitigation strategies.
Session Summary
- Analysing Trip Duration through a Gendered Lens | Namrata Ghosh, Queensland University of Technology
- Value of Travel Time Savings and Reliability: Evidence from Sydney Toll Roads and Connected Vehicle Data | Isaac Mann, The University of Sydney
- Navigating Safety in Recreational Boating with Children: A Behavioural Approach to Risk Mitigation | Maryam Raji, Safe Transport Victoria
- Econometrics of Unimodal Vs. Multimodal Trip Demand Mechanism | Ishani Shehara, Queensland University of Technology
Presenters
Analysing Trip Duration through a Gendered Lens
Namarata Ghosh
Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
Namrata Ghosh is a PhD student from the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety Queensland (CARRS-Q). She has
prior experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods to study temporal variations in passenger demand, traffic conditions with real-time data and has also explored studies on transport and
logistics systems and low-carbon vehicle technology in India.
Her research interests particularly include developing a deeper
understanding of the practical approaches for assessing equity in relation to accessibility, environmental impacts, social
well-being, mobility biographies, and mobility cultures that can be used to understand travel behaviour, the adoption of new transport technology, and the medium- and long-term travel decisions on
residential location or social welfare.
Abstract Synopsis
Time plays a critical role in shaping transport decisions, with trip duration serving as a key indicator of travel behavior influenced by factors like sociodemographics, household structure, trip purpose, and the built environment. Gendered differences in trip duration significantly affect destination choice, mode selection, and trip frequency, with implications for economic and social participation. However, existing research has inadequately explored these differences, which can restrict mobility and limit access to opportunities, impacting productivity and wellbeing.
This abstract analyses gendered variations in trip duration in Southeast Queensland using 2021-2022 Household Travel Survey data. A linear regression model evaluates the influence of trip, individual, and household characteristics for females and males. Findings will provide evidence linking gendered travel behavior to trip duration across various trip purposes, offering insights to guide transport interventions that improve accessibility, affordability, and security for diverse groups. These outcomes aim to inform future transport planning and policy development.
Co-Author
Dr Ashish Bhaskar
Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
Dr. Ashish Bhaskar is a Professor in Civil Engineering, Faculty
of Engineering, School of Civil & Environmental Engineering,
Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland.
Value of Travel Time Savings and Reliability: Evidence from Sydney Toll Roads and Connected Vehicle Data
Isaac Mann
The University of Sydney
Isaac is an experienced professional in Transport Engineering and Planning, with a diverse background spanning the private, public, and academic sectors. He holds a degree in Civil Engineering (Honours) with the University Medal from The University of Sydney and is currently a PhD Candidate researching transport economics. Isaac’s academic contributions include published papers on econometrics and cost-benefit analysis of transport investments, as well as responses to parliamentary inquiries and conference presentations on behalf of The University of Sydney.
Abstract Synopsis
This presentation examines the Value of Travel Time (VTT) and Value of Travel Reliability (VTR) using connected vehicle data and toll road decisions in Sydney. Traditional methods, like marginal productivity and stated preference studies, have limitations, while revealed preference data from toll roads offers a clearer trade-off between time and cost.
Using mixed-path size logit modelling, the study finds that current New South Wales transport appraisal guidance underestimates VTT and VTR for car commuting. The research also highlights spatial variations in toll road usage and VTT across Sydney, offering insights to inform future toll road investment decisions.
Co-Author
Professor David Levinson
University of Sydney
Prof. David Levinson teaches at the School of Civil Engineering at the University of Sydney (official profile), where he leads TransportLab and the Transport Engineering research group, and directs the Master of Transport. He is an honorary affiliate of the Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies, where he is also a member of the Board of Advice. His research interests span transport, from engineering and design, through policy and planning, to geography and economics. His most recent research emphasises transport-land use interactions, accessibility, and transport system evolution as well as traffic programming.
Navigating Safety in Recreational Boating with Children: A Behavioural Approach to Risk Mitigation
Maryam Raji
Safe Transport Victoria
Maryam Raji is currently Change Behaviour Advisor at Safe Transport Victoria (ST Vic). She holds a PhD in Management from the University of Melbourne and a First-Class degree in Engineering from the University of Sheffield. Maryam excels in analytical problem-solving and driving impactful change.
Abstract Synopsis
This study examines the risks to children in recreational boating, which is a leading cause of fatal drownings in Australia, particularly among children. Using a behaviour change framework adapted from Monash University’s "The BehaviourWorks Method," the study analysed secondary data, including maritime incident records and Coroners' reports, alongside primary data from a behavioural science workshop, ethnographic observations, and interviews with boaters. The research identifies several factors contributing to risks, such as unsafe boat areas not labeled by manufacturers, boat masters failing to enforce safety regulations, and passengers disregarding safety instructions.
The study highlights three key target groups for behaviour change interventions: boat masters, adult passengers, and children themselves. Tailored interventions were designed to address these groups and promote safer boating practices. The findings in this abstract stress the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to create a safety-focused culture in recreational boating, aiming to reduce risks and protect children's wellbeing while enjoying boating activities.
Co-Author
Ha Anh Nguyen
Safe Transport Victoria
Ha Anh Nguyen is the Behavioural Scientist at Safe Transport Victoria (ST Vic). His role is to offer behavioural insights for the implementation of behaviour change programs at ST Vic, aiming to improve safety of bus, maritime, and Commercial Passenger Vehicles (CPV) operations.
Econometrics of Unimodal Vs. Multimodal Trip Demand Mechanism
Ishani Shehara
Queensland University of Technology
A PhD student from the ARC Behavioural Insights for Technology Adoption (BITA) Centre at Queensland University of Technology. My research interests primarily focus on exploring on multimodal travel behaviour, system dynamics, travel demand modelling and climate resilience management.
Abstract Synopsis
This presentation explores the differences between unimodal and multimodal travel decisions, focusing on how travelers choose between single and multiple modes of transport within a trip. Multimodal travel, which involves combining different travel modes, is more complex due to factors such as accessibility and travel opportunities. The research aims to understand how trip duration—serving as a proxy for accessibility—affects the decision-making process in both unimodal and multimodal trips. By analyzing these relationships, the study seeks to capture how multimodal travel decisions and trip durations are influenced by the availability of multimodal opportunities in a given area.
Using Household Travel Survey data from Southeast Queensland (2017-2022), an econometric framework is developed to assess these travel decisions. The findings will provide insights into how multimodal transport adoption can be encouraged and how Mobility as a Service (MaaS) can be strategically designed to meet community needs within the mobility ecosystem. The results in this abstract can help to guide policies and designs aimed at promoting multimodal travel, especially in areas where it is a viable and accessible option.
Co-Author
Shellee Franssen
The Department of Transport and Main Roads
