Investigation of the Use of Smartphone Applications for Trip Planning and Travel Outcome

Abstract

This study explored how smartphone applications are used for trip planning and how they influence travel outcomes. The study used data from ‘Smartphone Use and Travel Choice Survey - 2015’ conducted in Halifax, Canada. An exploratory analysis was conducted to understand the general characteristics of the smartphone users. This study specifically investigated the determinants that affect the use of smartphone applications for trip planning and shapes travel outcomes. Ordered response models were developed for trip planning activities such as performing online tasks, deciding departure time, mode choice, trip destination and communicating/coordinating trips. Additionally, binary choice models were developed for travel outcomes which include vehicle kilometres travelled, number of new places visited, social gatherings attended and planned group trips. Results reveal that socio-demographic and attitudes significantly affect smartphone use for trip planning and their impact on travel outcomes. This study offers in-depth behavioural insights and enriches the literature on mobile ICT.