Abstract:
Mode choice and trip chaining behavior of developing cities are becoming more complex
gradually due to rapid urbanization and economic growth. This thesis is aimed to determine the
major factors that affect the mode choice for work trips in Dhaka city by structural equation
model (SEM). A two-step methodology has been adopted for this research. The first part
addresses data collection approach incorporating a purpose built questionnaire survey and the
second part is to develop SE Model. A questionnaire survey was conducted at 14 locations of
Dhaka City. A total of 1000 work trip makers were interviewed. Four different models are
developed to find out the correlation between mode choice attributes and effects on overall mode
choice. For each model there is a shuffling of exogenous, endogenous and latent variables to
examine models for better results. A two tailed test is used for analyzing the parameters with a
critical value of 1.96 for 95% confidence limit. For the final proposed models, it was revealed
that all endogenous variables are positively related with latent variables. Out of four models, the
best one is selected based on statistical parameters and resemblance with real life anticipations.
Two latent variables trip chain, trip behavior and 14 endogenous variables have been considered
in model 4. The result shows that among all attributes, waiting time at station, time taken to
reach destination, comfort level of the mode and travel by bus/tempo having coefficient values
0.67, 0.33, 0.86 and 0.88 respectively influence users’ choice of mode significantly. “Simple
home to work and work to home” type trip chain has positive effect on the latent variables. It
was found that fit indices of the best model are within the range (CFI=1.00, RMSEA=0.000,
SRMR=0.000), indicating a good model. The results match with real world scenario. Results of
this research are expected to help transport planners to understand mode choice and trip chaining
behavior and facilitate development of relevant transportation policies of assessing infrastructure
investment.
Description:
All praise goes to almighty Allah, the most merciful and the most benevolent. First of all
I want to pay my gratitude to my thesis supervisor, Dr. Farzana Rahman for providing me
continuous support and guideline to perform this research work and to prepare this
concerted dissertation. Her contribution to me can only be acknowledged but never be
compensated. Her consistent inspiration helped me to work diligently throughout the
completion of this research work and also contributed to my ability to approach and solve
a problem. Without her continuous guidance this dissertation would not have been
materialized. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Department of Civil
Engineering, specially Brigadier General Md Wahidul Islam, SUP, ndc, psc, Dean and
Head, Department of Civil Engineering, Military Institute of Science and Technology for
giving me such a great opportunity of doing my M.Sc Engineering and this contemporary
research work.
I am indebted to my family members for their continuous encouragements, cooperation
and mental support. Their support and cooperation were indispensable. I express my
heartfelt thanks and gratitude to my wife for her persistent cooperation to my works.
At last I want to thank my department, the respected members of my examination board
for giving me such an opportunity, which has obviously enhanced my knowledge and
skills as a transportation engineering student to a great extent.