Accessibility, commuting and the car ownership decision

Abstract

Rising fuel prices, costly transport infrastructure, congestion, external environmental impacts and impending peak oil difficulties highlight the importance of understanding the economic decisions behind commuting patterns. Where a person lives and works are important factors in an individual's transport decision and are key determinants for car ownership. However these spatial factors are interlinked and an individuals residential location is also determined by where they work and their transport choices among other factors. Households are also likely to compromise on their commuting, car ownership and residential choices according to the needs of multiple members of the household.