| dc.description.abstract | This study aims to analyze the impact of the TPASS commuter monthly pass policy on the mode choice behavior of intercity commuters in Taoyuan City, using an integrated PLS-SEM and MXL model. The integrated model combines Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and the Mixed Logit Model (MXL), where PLS-SEM is employed to quantify the causal relationships among latent variables in travel mode choice behavior, while the MXL model serves as an analytical tool to capture random utility heterogeneity in the mode choice behavior of travelers. A comparative analysis was conducted between commuters who have purchased TPASS and those who have not.
The results indicate that the TPASS policy significantly increases the dependence of high-frequency intercity commuters on public transportation and reduces their sensitivity to fare changes, thereby making service quality a more significant factor in their mode choice decisions. For TPASS users, service convenience and reliability were found to be particularly prominent factors. Hence, it is recommended that transportation authorities prioritize enhancing the transfer convenience and service reliability of Taoyuan Airport MRT and highway buses at major hub stations to improve the overall travel experience and strengthen the long-term attractiveness of public transportation for high-frequency commuters.
Additionally, for non-TPASS commuters, fare remains the primary consideration in their mode choice behavior, especially for low-income groups who show a more significant demand for fare discounts. Future policy makers should consider implementing more flexible fare strategies for this group, adjusting the fare structure, and introducing tiered service levels to meet the diverse needs of passengers with varying economic conditions. Furthermore, the findings reveal that commuters who own private vehicles are less likely to choose public transportation, indicating that transportation policies should consider strategies that increase the cost of private vehicle usage to encourage a modal shift to public transportation, thereby reducing the burden on the road system.
The proposed integrated PLS-SEM and MXL model effectively combines the causal relationships among latent variables with the random utility heterogeneity characteristics, providing a more comprehensive analytical framework for understanding the influence of the TPASS policy on the mode choice behavior of intercity commuters in Taoyuan City. The findings offer empirical evidence for transportation managers to optimize public transportation services and formulate intercity transportation policies, contributing to the overall usage and sustainable development of the public transportation system in Taoyuan City and its surrounding areas. | en_US |