Gender Differences in Influence of Socio-demographic Characteristics on Mode Choice in India

The study aims to investigate differences between men and women in influence of various socio-demographic factors on choice of mode of transport. For this purpose, a binary logit model of choice probabilities is implemented on survey data of a developing country city. Results indicate women’s choice of travel mode to be more environment-friendly than that of men. Well-educated, working and middleaged individuals appear to be the most likely to choosing more-polluting modes of transport for frequent travelling purposes. Individuals in the sample who are the least socioeconomically well off are found the most likely to be promising for the environment. The findings of this study suggest the future transportation policies toward development of existing infrastructure of greener modes of transportation in the city such as, public transportation services and pedestrian lanes, so as to manage the rising issues of degrading environmental quality. The study highlights how the consideration and inclusion of socio-demographic factors is crucial for policy recommendation regarding curtailing the environmental damages contributed by transportation sector. Because mobility crucially affects all other indicators of empowerment, and women are the ones using green modes extensively, the city’s transportation system should be so developed which gives their safety and security due importance.