Understanding the Impact of Weather Conditions on Transportation Mode Choices in Taiwan

Technological advancements and climate change have significantly influenced human lifestyles in the past few decades. Transportation is one notable aspect of this change, which has evolved due to the weather shift. It is evident that technological advancements, such as the expansion of public transportation and the introduction of electric vehicles, have influenced people’s transportation patterns. However, the impact of weather on transportation choices remains under-researched and challenging to determine. To uncover this challenge, this study employed a quantitative statistical analysis approach to explore the impact of weather conditions on transportation mode choices in Taiwan. The methodology focuses on temperature and precipitation patterns, and a questionnaire was designed to assess the thresholds at which people alter their transportation preferences based on their perceptions. The results show that extreme temperature significantly impact those who usually use motorcycle and pedestrians on the sidewalk. Heavy rain has the highest impact, and slightly rain almost has almost no impact. The findings from this study aim to provide valuable insights for policymakers and urban planners, serving as a guideline to develop strategies that accommodate the evolving transportation needs of the population both now and in the future.