Towards vehicle miles traveled reduction: Impact of mileage-based user fee on travel mode choices

Abstract

Mileage-based user fee (MBUF) could be a potential solution to reduce the gap in current transportation funding. Though previous studies comprehensively discussed the impact of implementing MBUF on equity, privacy, and emissions, little attention has been given to the potential change in travelers’ mode choice behavior. This paper presents a framework to understand individuals’ mode choice behavior, considering the impact of MBUF. The empirical data for this paper is obtained through “Survey to Understand the Impact of MBUF on Travelers Choice (SUMTC)” which took place in April, 2024, in the North Carolina State. This web-based survey has two components: revealed preference (RP) and stated preference (SP), where the SP survey is designed to capture the influence of MBUF through hypothetical scenarios. Furthermore, this paper uses descriptive statistics and joint RP-SP discrete choice models to understand individuals’ mode preferences and the impact of MBUF on them for different trip purposes. The findings from the estimated models indicate that individuals are less likely to prefer motorized modes with the increased rate of MBUF. Full-time workers show more sensitivity towards MBUF for work trips, whereas college students are more sensitive to MBUF for recreational trips. Older adults show less sensitivity to MBUF than younger individuals. Older adults are more sensitive to MBUF for work trips, and young individuals are more sensitive to MBUF for work and grocery/shopping trips. The results reveal that increased fuel cost, parking/toll/admin cost, bus fare, and delays reduce the attractiveness of drive alone, carpool, and transit.