An Experimental Framework Towards Assessing Impacts of Commuters’ Choice Perception on Transport Sustainability

This chapter delves into the intricate relationship between commuters' perceptions of transportation choices and the sustainability of urban transport systems. It highlights the multifaceted nature of travel decision-making, influenced by both macroscopic and microscopic factors, including socioeconomic status, travel time, and cost. The study focuses on urban fringe areas, where inadequate public transit facilities often lead to a reliance on intermediate public transit and private vehicles, thereby increasing the carbon footprint. Through a meticulously designed experimental framework, the chapter assesses how passengers' modal shifts, driven by their perceptions, impact environmental sustainability. The research involves a detailed analysis of four study areas in the Kolkata metropolitan region, examining the distribution of income and age groups, vehicle types, and emission levels. The findings reveal that passengers' perceptions of comfort, cost, convenience, travel time, and safety significantly influence their mode choices, contributing to varied transportation-associated footprints. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the need for expanded assessments in peri-urban regions to fully understand the broader impacts of commuters' perceptions on transport sustainability.