Linking modal choice to motility: A comprehensive review

Modal choice is determined by a whole range of factors that are interrelated to a larger or smaller extent. It is often the result of a very compound choice process that can take place consciously or unconsciously and that includes objective as well as subjective determinants. Despite its significance in our daily life, there is no uniform way to define and analyze the concept of modal choice. The aim of this review is to fill this gap by elaborating a common modal choice definition and by providing a comprehensive review on the concept of modal choice through linking it to Kaufmann’s motility concept. By doing so, this review will not only contribute to an improved knowledge on different modal choice determinants and their interdependencies, but can also assist to the understanding and modeling of modal choice decisions. The review can therefore help increasing the effectiveness of policy measures taken by environmental, urban and transport policy makers.

► Modal choice is determined by various factors that are interrelated to a larger or smaller extent.
► There is no uniform approach or definition of modal choice.
► We gather a wide range of modal choice determinants in a unique quantitative study.
► We elaborate a multi-disciplinary definition of modal choice.
► We link modal choice to Kaufmann’s motility concept and provide a framework for structuring modal choice determinants.