A cross-classification analysis of household trip behavior to identify peer cities: a case study of three metropolitan cities in Gujarat, India

This study presents a cross-classification analysis of household trip behavior across three metropolitan cities in Gujarat, India-Surat, Ahmedabad, and Rajkot-to identify peer cities with similar socio-economic characteristics and travel patterns. Data from 3000 households were collected through home-interview surveys, focusing on variables such as household size, income, vehicle ownership, and number of earning members. The analysis utilized one-way ANOVA and post hoc tests to determine the influence of these factors on trip rates. The findings reveal that household size is the most significant factor affecting trip rates, followed by vehicle ownership and income. Surat and Ahmedabad exhibit similar travel patterns, attributed to their comparable socio-economic profiles, making them ideal candidates for peer city analysis. In contrast, Rajkot shows distinct trip-making characteristics due to its unique economic activities, particularly in the business sector. The study underscores the potential for policy transfer between peer cities, particularly in public transportation planning, where strategies from Ahmedabad's metro system could be adapted for Surat. The research highlights the importance of understanding the socio-economic determinants of trip behavior for effective urban transportation planning. It also emphasizes the need for data-driven approaches to identify peer cities, which can facilitate the replication of successful policies and strategies across similar urban contexts.