Tourists vs. residents: Nested logit analysis of mode choices for environmental sustainability
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
2025
Subject Area
place - urban, ridership - behaviour, ridership - mode choice, ridership - modelling, policy - environment, policy - sustainable
Keywords
Urban, mode choice, sustainability
Abstract
Urban short-distance transportation is crucial for environmental sustainability in metropolitan areas. Although mode choice behavioral differences between tourists and residents have been noted, a comprehensive investigation is lacking. This study addresses this gap using discrete choice modeling to compare mode preferences between tourists and residents. Results reveal that residents emphasize time-saving, while tourists prioritize service quality and convenience. Employed residents attach extra importance to in-vehicle time, and tourists have low tolerance for crowded conditions. Gender impacts only residents’ choices, whereas reduced transfers enhance public transport’s appeal to tourists. Income and environmental consciousness affect both groups, while trip-related factors such as travel purpose and stay duration shape tourists’ choices. These findings offer novel insights into group-specific determinants of mode choice and inform targeted strategies to promote low-carbon public transportation, including tailored pricing incentives, infrastructure improvements, and AI-powered real-time transport and parking applications, thereby facilitating sustainable development in transportation, tourism, and environment.
Rights
Permission to publish the abstract has been given by Elsevier, copyright remains with them.
Recommended Citation
Zhou, H., Qiao, J., Shi, K., Sun, Q., Yao, Z., & Norman, R. (2025). Tourists vs. residents: Nested logit analysis of mode choices for environmental sustainability. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 138, 104521.

Comments
Transportation Research Part D Home Page:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/13619209