Accessibility and the allocation of time: changes in travel behavior 1990-2010

Abstract

Using detailed travel surveys conducted by the Metropolitan Council of the Minneapo- lis/Saint Paul region for 1990, 2000-2001, and 2010-2011, this study analyzes journey- to-work times, activity allocation and accessibility. The analysis shows a decline in the time people spend outside of their homes as well as the time people spend in travel over the past decade. Although distances per trip are increasing, the willingness to make trips is declining, resulting in fewer kilometers traveled and less time allocated to travel. This study finds accessibility to be a significant factor in commute durations. Accessibility and commute duration have large affects on the amount of time spent at work therefore activity patterns are influenced by transportation and the urban environment.