Simultaneous estimation of mode choice for commuting trips and preference for vehicle ownership in an urban area: the case of Córdoba city in Argentina

Using a stated preference survey estimations are made for a nested logit model integrating mode choice decisions for commuting trips and the preferences for car and motorcycle buying as a response to changes in transport modes level of services. The estimation results confirm the hypothesis of interdependence between urban travel mode choice for commuting based on transport modes service levels and the car and motorcycle ownership decision. A scenario analysis followed by the calculation of demand elasticities allowed us to determine the sensitivity of transport mode use and private vehicle buying preferences to changes in urban travel conditions. Particularly, there would be significant sensitivity of car buying preferences to parking costs and also worse bus travel times could encourage car and motorcycle buying decisions in the short run aggravating the current traffic congestion conditions at rush hours.