Exploring factors affecting metro route choice behavior: a hybrid latent class modeling approach
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
2025
Subject Area
mode - subway/metro, planning - surveys, ridership - behaviour, ridership - modelling
Keywords
Metro route choice, personality traits, travel context, latent class model, decision-making
Abstract
This study aims to understand how route-specific attributes and passengers’ intrinsic traits affect metro route choice behavior by integrating previously unstudied latent constructs into traditional discrete choice model. Latent personality traits and socio-demographics are utilized as classifiers to probabilistically allocate individuals into different classes, and the role of specific attributes within each class is estimated. Data was collected through a web-based survey designed to collect stated preference data on metro routes, using psychometric indicators to assess respondents’ personality traits. Results indicate that three distinct latent classes were identified: business travelers (30%) prioritize riding comfort; commuters (55%) are time-sensitive and emphasize travel purpose and the urgency level they face; leisure travelers (15%) place greater attention on a comfortable riding environment over travel time or context. The empirical results can inform multiple route recommendation plans and enhance metro management.
Rights
Permission to publish the abstract has been given by Taylor&Francis, copyright remains with them.
Recommended Citation
vLiu, X., & Duan, Z. (2025). Exploring factors affecting metro route choice behavior: a hybrid latent class modeling approach. Transportation Planning and Technology, 48(8), 1635-1653.
