Mode Choice Behaviour of Residence of Srinagar City

Abstract

Transportation mode choice plays a significant role in urban transportation planning and sustainable mobility development. This study investigates the mode choice behaviour of residents of Srinagar City and identifies the factors influencing transportation mode selection. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire survey involving 500 respondents from different areas of Srinagar. The study examines socio-economic characteristics, travel patterns, travel cost, travel time, vehicle ownership, and trip purposes. The findings reveal that travel time, travel cost, accessibility, comfort, safety, and income level significantly influence transportation choices. Public transportation remains the preferred option among students and lower-to-middle-income groups, while private vehicle usage increases with income and vehicle ownership. The study recommends improving public transport quality, accessibility, and reliability to reduce traffic congestion and promote sustainable urban mobility.

Introduction

The text discusses travel behaviour and transportation preferences in Srinagar City, focusing on the challenges created by rapid urbanization, increasing vehicle ownership, congestion, parking shortages, and environmental issues. Efficient transportation systems are essential for improving accessibility, mobility, and quality of life, making it important to understand how residents choose different travel modes.

Objectives of the study:

• Analyze travel behaviour of Srinagar residents.
• Identify commonly used transportation modes.
• Examine factors influencing transportation choices.
• Assess the importance of public transportation.
• Suggest measures for sustainable mobility.

Methodology:
The study uses a descriptive and analytical approach based on survey data collected from 500 respondents across Srinagar City. Information such as age, occupation, income, vehicle ownership, travel cost, travel time, and trip purpose was collected. Data was analyzed using percentage analysis, frequency analysis, and graphical methods.

Study Area:
Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is an important administrative, commercial, educational, and tourism hub. Increasing population growth and travel demand make it a significant area for transportation studies.

Major Findings:

• Travel time is a major factor influencing mode selection.
• Travel cost strongly affects choices, especially among lower and middle-income groups.
• Accessibility determines the use of public transport.
• Comfort and safety influence travel preferences.
• Vehicle ownership increases dependency on private vehicles.

Public transport systems such as buses and shared taxis remain important for students and middle-income groups because they are affordable and accessible.

Major transportation challenges identified include:

• Traffic congestion.
• Parking problems.
• Increased travel delays.
• Environmental pollution.

Conclusion

The study concludes that transportation mode choice among Srinagar residents is influenced by socio-economic characteristics and transportation system attributes [1]. Travel time, cost, accessibility, comfort, and vehicle ownership are the major determinants [2]. Enhancing public transportation quality and service reliability can encourage a shift from private vehicles to public transport, reducing congestion and improving urban mobility.

References

[1] Ortuzar, J.D. and Willumsen, L.G., Modelling Transport, Wiley Publications. [2] Ben-Akiva, M. and Lerman, S.R., Discrete Choice Analysis, MIT Press. [3] Litman, T., Transportation Demand Management Encyclopedia. [4] Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India Reports. [5] Washington, S., Karlaftis, M. G., & Mannering, F., Statistical and Econometric Methods for Transportation Data Analysis, Chapman and Hall/CRC.

Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Zubair Ahmad Ganaie , Raja Faizan Nazir, Aashiq Ahmad Lone, Er. Shaheen Nasir, Er. Malik Najeeb, Dr. Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Rather. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.