Heterogeneity in the correlates of motorized and non-motorized travel in Germany : the intervening role of gender

Drawing on individual-level mobility data from Germany between 1996 and 2009, this analysis econometrically investigates the determinants of automobile, public transit, and nonmotorized travel. The paper explores whether gender plays a role in determining the relative use of motorized and nonmotorized modes and, if so, how this role is 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 nonmotorized modes coupled with a lower use of the car. However, it is important to qualify conclusions on 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.