An investigation into route choice behaviour of car drivers using so called stated-preference techniques is described. In this technique hypothetical choice situations are offered to respondents who are asked to state their preferences. Previous research indicated that route choice is not only governed by quantitative factors but by qualitative variables as well. In order to include the relevant variables in a stated-preference experiment in an appropriate manner, an exploratory investigation has been carried out in order to identify salient qualitative variables, and the measurable route-attributes to which these variables are related. Therefore semi-structured interviews were held with about fifty employees, travelling to their work by car in the gouda-delft corridor. By asking for known and used routes and their characteristics salient factors were elicited. Further investigation of these factors yielded the associated measurable attributes, as perceived by the respondent. It was found that qualitative factors do influence car drivers' route choice on work trips. In addition to the quantitative factors travel time and distance, important qualitative variables are: safety, effort, mobility, sense of freedom, reliability, scenery and variation. The two conventional variables travel time and distance are the most important; however, factors such as safety, effort (comfort) and scenery were also mentioned frequently. The number of known and used routes from home to work is rather limited, 3-4 and 2-3 respectively. Although most respondents clearly favour one particular route, a certain amount of day-to-day variation exists. In particular congestion causes travellers to adapt their chosen route 'en route'.
Abstract