Time Matters: Analyzing the Impact of Nighttime on Commuter Trip Chaining Behavior and Travel Time Use in Karlsruhe, Germany

Trip chaining and the use of travel time by commuters have long been the foci of considerable research interest. However, despite this attention, few studies have investigated the differences in behavior associated with daytime and nighttime travel. To fill this gap in the literature, the present study investigated the influence of time of day on trip chaining and travel time use. The analysis was based on a data set of residents of the Karlsruhe area who regularly commute both during the day and at night. The data set was analyzed both descriptively and through the application of a series of logistic regression models. The results indicated that nighttime had a significant influence on the formation of trip chains and the use of time during the commute. For example, both the number of trip chains formed and the number of activities performed during the commute are reduced at night. The reasons for forming trip chains also varied according to the time of day. Whereas most trip chains were formed for errands during the day, at night, the majority were formed to pursue leisure activities. In addition, activities such as working, telephoning, looking at the landscape, or reading were significantly reduced at night. The findings of this study contribute to a more in-depth understanding of commuter behavior, on the basis of which, innovative and efficient mobility strategies can be further developed.