Trip chaining comparisons and logistic models for complex trip chains in Kuwait

The problem of traffic congestion during daily peak hours has reached serio us proportions in recent years in Kuwait. This research project was underta ken to examine the likely contribution of trip chaining to this daily conge stion. The distribution of daily trips by purpose, mode, vehicle occupancy, time of day and trip duration is presented, and a comparative analysis of trip chaining patterns is also performed. Results indicate that, in spite o f the time-staggering of work and school activities, more than 31 percent o f school trips are still made during the morning peak hour. Most of these a re by auto and are chained to work trips. The number of complex chains repo rted by individual households in Kuwait was also found to be significantly lower than that reported by households in the United States and Europe. The very high auto ownership rate of Kuwaiti households, and their tendency to employ drivers, may explain this difference in complex trip chaining behav ior. The study also involved the calibration of logistic models to predict the probability of Kuwaiti and expatriate households making complex trip ch ains. Findings of the research will assist responsible policy-makers in the development of both short-term transport system management (TSM) measures to curb congestion and alternative long-term urban transportation plans.