Explore the effect of Information and Communication Technology(ICT) on activity-based travel behavior of transportation system users: An application of Structural Equations Models

The Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have penetrated into almost all spheres of human life and it is almost impossible to imagine life without ICT. Thus, the investigation of ICT impacts has practical policy-making importance since different policies might help solve social problems which are impacted by ICT and are related to transportation (e.g., traffic congestion, environmental pollution, urban and land-use planning). This study has been dedicated to analysis of ICT impacts on subsistence (e.g., work) and maintenance personal activities (e.g., shopping). The sample is derived from the travel-ICT characteristic survey conducted in Tehran in 2015. Total of 415 questionnaires were distributed in all of the region of Tehran. Among them 355 questionnaires were collected and 303 questionnaires were found to be effective. We use SEM in the further empirical research of this study for analyzing personal time-budget. The findings of this study provide further evidence on the Complementarity / Generation effects of ICT on travel, suggesting that the wide application of ICT probably leads to more travel. The study also demonstrates the importance of considering the interactions between activity and travel for better understanding of the nature and magnitude of the impacts of ICT on time use and trip making behavior

Keywords:

Information and Communication Technology(ICT) , Time useTravel behavior , Structural Equation Modeling