Logit Model of Work Trip Mode Choice for Bole Subcity Residents

The issue of mode choice is probably the single most important element in transport planning and policy making. It affects the general efficiency with which we can travel in urban areas, the amount of urban space devoted to transport functions, and whether a range of choices is available to travelers (Juan De Dios Ortuzar, Luis G. Willumsen, 2004).
There are two transport studies undertaken for Addis Ababa which are part of the development and revision efforts of the Addis Ababa master plan. In both studies, the four stage travel demand model was adopted. However, the mode choice models developed in both studies are direct demand models which are basically based on aggregate data.
However, with present knowledge and computer technology, it is possible to model the mode choice for more than two alternatives by considering both the travel maker’s and the travel mode’s characteristics. Moreover, considering both socio-economic and travel mode variables will lead to a better understanding and simulation of the people’s behavior in choosing among the competing modes. Therefore, in this research a Multinomial Logit model is developed, which is based on disaggregate socio economic, mode and trip related data, for work purpose trips made by Bole Sub-City residents.
The different modes of road passenger transport considered in the model are Walking, Small Taxis, Mini-Buses, Anbessa City Bus, Lonchina, Private vehicle as driver, Private vehicle as passenger and Company provided transport.
Among the various methods of revealed preference surveys, Household or Home Interview Survey was used as a data source in addition to secondary data obtained from different agencies of the city and this has been exploited to create the level of service data for the competing modes.
Finally different specifications of multinomial Logit models have been tested and it has been observed that the mode choice model has shown continuous improvement as explanatory power as it was enhanced from being restricted to mode related variables to incorporating the socio economic and trip related variables.