Measuring the impact of travel behavior change programs on the activity scheduling process

This paper describes data collection techniques that were used in a pilot research with the aim of studying how individual activity scheduling processes are modified after participating in Travel behavior change programs (TBCP). Measuring instrument consisted of a weekly activity-travel scheduling process panel survey. Two survey waves were implemented before and after the application of TBCP to about 60 per cent of panelists. The other 40 per cent joined a control group (CG). A descriptive analysis of differences found on the activity scheduling process is presented. Average number of decisions related to adding or modifying the pre-planned activity-travel agenda during the scheduling process did not vary appreciably between first and second survey wave. In contrast, significant differences in planned and executed activity-travel attributes between TBCP and CG participants, and between first and second survey waves, are found. After participating in TBCP, respondents planned and executed less use of private vehicle (PV) than previously. Other changes on activity-travel attributes during the scheduling process are observed as well. Survey fatigue and conditioning effects are minor. But the combination of both effects causes a reduction of number of activities reported per person-day by the end of the research week in second survey wave.