Activity spaces and travel time in Sydney.

Author(s)
Olaru, D. Smith, N. & Ton, T.
Year
Abstract

This study investigates in a structural equation model the relationship between travel time expenditure and activity spaces across population groups at different stages of life cycle, with different ethnic background, and degrees of mobility restriction. The activity space concept is based on a broad determination of space-time behaviour. In this research all locations visited by a traveller are included, reflecting his/her satisfied needs within the space-time and budget constraints. The activity space is an approximate measure of the size of the individual's mental map correlated with the costs of accessing different opportunities. In this respect, it reflects all three processes influencing accessibilities: scheduling of time-space budgets; the nature of the transport system, and the time-space organisation of accessed services. Both work and non-work activities are included in the measure. The position of the centre of gravity of an activity space and the spread around it illustrate the degree of accessibility enjoyed by an individual, accounting for the importance of different locations in the household activities and available transport supply. The case study is Sydney, Australia, and reports on the relationships between travel time expenditure and activity spaces for individuals and households using pooled data from the household travel survey (HTS) 1997-2002. The results showed that life cycle stages have significant impact on the activity space and time spent on travel, mainly due to the different mobility needs of the households with different groupings, occupations and interests over a lifetime. Gender is also shaping differently the activity areas, and in general Sydney women have their activity space and travel time "budget" reduced. Car availability and employment's positive impact on activity space and travel time expenditure found in this study is consistent with much research conducted previously. When comparison was made between weekday and weekend, the activity spaces increased for all categories during weekend, even if the travel time expenditure decreases. Gender and language group differences were not as prominent during weekend activities. For the covering abstract please see ITRD E135207.

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Publication

Library number
C 43056 (In: C 42993 CD-ROM) /72 / ITRD E135271
Source

In: Proceedings of the European Transport Conference ETC, Strasbourg, France, 18-20 September 2005, Transport Policy and Operations - Planning For Sustainable Land Use And Transport - Land Use And Transport Travel Behaviour And Accessibility. 2005. 20 p., 35 ref.

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