Heterogeneity in the Correlates of Motorized and Non-Motorized Travel in Germany – The Intervening Role of Gender

18 Pages Posted: 1 Feb 2012 Last revised: 12 Apr 2012

See all articles by Vivien Procher

Vivien Procher

University of Wuppertal

Colin Vance

RWI – Leibniz-Institute for Economic Research; Jacobs University Bremen

Date Written: January 1, 2012

Abstract

Drawing on individual-level mobility data from Germany between 1996 and 2009, this analysis econometrically investigates the determinants of automobile, public transit, and non-motorized travel against the backdrop of two questions: 1) Does gender play a role in determining the relative use of motor and non-motorized modes? 2) If so, how is this role mitigated or exacerbated by other socioeconomic attributes of the individual and the household? The results indicate that women display a relatively higher use of public transit and non-motorized modes coupled with a lower use of the car. However, it is important to qualify conclusions drawn with respect to the effect of gender given the range of confounding factors that mediate its impact, including age, the presence of children, the proximity to public transit, and the commute distance. The econometric estimates indicate that fare pricing and infrastructure provision have a significant influence on how individuals reach mode allocation decisions, and that women, in particular, stand to benefit from the maintenance of an efficient and dense public transportation network.

Keywords: Automobile travel, public transit, gender

JEL Classification: D13, R20, R41

Suggested Citation

Procher, Vivien and Vance, Colin, Heterogeneity in the Correlates of Motorized and Non-Motorized Travel in Germany – The Intervening Role of Gender (January 1, 2012). Ruhr Economic Paper No. 314, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1996499 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1996499

Vivien Procher (Contact Author)

University of Wuppertal ( email )

Weihenstephaner Steig
Freising
Germany

Colin Vance

RWI – Leibniz-Institute for Economic Research ( email )

Hohenzollernstr. 1-3
Essen, 45128
Germany
0049-201-8149-237 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://www.rwi-essen.de

Jacobs University Bremen ( email )

Campus Ring 1
Bremen, 28725
Germany

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