Exploring the influences of compact development on zone-based travel patterns: a case study of the Seoul metropolitan area

Although the influence of compact development on travel behavior has been extensively studied over the past decades, additional empirical evidence is needed to better understand that effect. This study explores the influences of the built environment (BE) on zone-based travel patterns using the 2010 Household Travel Survey data in Korea, . We apply seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) and censored regression models to reveal relationships between the BE and zone-based travel patterns in the SMA. Results indicate that: (1) transit-oriented design promotes public transit and suppresses auto trips; (2) the rail mode is more predominant relative to the bus mode; (3) mixed land use with high-density development and gridded pattern streets have a positive impact on walking; and (4) high density and easy access to rail have positive influences on reducing distance traveled by automobiles. Our results suggest that a differentiated strategy is needed to improve urban sustainability in the SMA.