EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF PERSONAL AND HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS AND TRAVEL RELATED FACTORS ON TRAVEL MODE CHOICE BEHAVIOR IN MEDIUM-SIZED RUSSIAN CITIES

Growth in motorization level in Russian cities last decades leads to a gradual shift in individual's travel behaviour - from usage of public transport to private car driving. As a result road networks of the Russian cities are heavily congested especially in the morning and evening peak hours. This paper describes the results of investigation of factors influencing individual's travel mode choice decisions and development of appropriate mode choice models to support decision-making process and assist in forming of policies which are needed to move towards more sustainable urban mobility patterns. The empirical data are based on Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk travel survey conducted in 2016 including empirical data on the individual's mode choice, individual's characteristics (age, sex, driver's license etc.), household characteristics (household size, number of cars etc.) and travel related characteristics (travel time, travel cost, number of transfers etc.). Based on empirical data and discrete choice models theory the travel mode choice model parameters were defined. The results of investigation provide helpful information for decision makers to ensure better understand individual's travel mode choices and test urban transport policies promoting sustainable travel behavior.