Understanding Immigrants' Mode Choice behavior in Florida: Analysis of Neighborhood Effects and Cultural Assimilation

The goal of this study is to develop Multinomial Logit models for mode choice behaviour of immigrants, with key focuses on neighbourhood effects and behavioural assimilation. The first aspect assumes a linkage between social network ties and immigrants' chosen mode of transportation, while the second dimension explores the gradual propensity towards alternative mode usage with regard to immigrants' settlement period in the United States. Factor analysis was carried out to establish neighbourhood typologies based on income, family structure, and education. Mode choice models were then developed for work, shopping, social and recreational, and other trip purposes to evaluate the impacts of various land use patterns, neighbourhood typology, and socioeconomic and demographic attributes on immigrants' travel behaviour. Estimated coefficients for each alternative mode (i.e., high-occupancy vehicle, public transit, and non-motorized transport) were compared to single-occupancy vehicles (SOV). The model results revealed significant influences of neighbourhood and land use variables on the usage of alternative modes among immigrants. Incorporating these indicators into the demand forecasting process is expected to provide a better understanding of diverse travel patterns for the unique composition of population groups in Florida. (C) 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.