Travel mode choice and time valuation differences between commuters and non-commuters in Bhopal

Rapid urbanization in Indian cities like Bhopal has led to complex travel patterns and transportation challenges, necessitating a deeper understanding of how different user groups value travel time. This study addresses the need for context-specific analysis of travel behavior to support sustainable mobility planning in Bhopal. The objective is to investigate how regular commuters and discretionary travelers’ value travel time across various modes, including public buses, auto-rickshaws, private vehicles, and shared mobility options. A stated preference survey of 425 respondents and a multinomial logit model were employed to analyze mode choice decisions. Findings reveal that commuters generally value travel time more than non-commuters, with auto-rickshaw users exhibiting the highest value (Rs. 41.5/hour for commuters and Rs. 39.2/hour for non-commuters). Despite longer travel times, public transport holds a 38.2% mode share, reflecting recent investments in bus rapid transit. The study highlights the importance of differentiated transportation services, context-specific solutions, and demand management strategies. Policy recommendations include implementing dynamic pricing for parking (potentially reducing private vehicle usage by 12.3%), integrating intermediate public transport (improving last-mile connectivity by 28%), developing park-and-ride facilities (with a projected net present value of Rs. 185 million over 15 years), and introducing premium bus services along high-demand corridors. The findings emphasize the need for inclusive transportation policies that cater to the diverse preferences and socioeconomic characteristics of Bhopal’s residents while promoting sustainable urban mobility.