Impact of ICT on multitasking during travel and the value of travel time savings: Empirical evidences from Mumbai, India

This study looks into the multitasking patterns for the developing world, while providing empirical evidences of the effect of multitasking on the value of travel time savings (VTTS). The multitasking behaviour during travel was studied, ascertaining the effect of various socio-economic variables, access to information and communication technologies (ICT), and travel related factors. Travel diary data was collected across the city of Mumbai, India for 1123 individuals capturing their revealed preferences on travel and multitasking during travel. It was observed that having a smartphone with an internet usage of more than one GB data had positive significant impacts on ICT dependent multitasking activities. In addition, the proportion of no-activity also significantly reduced with higher access to ICT. It was observed that the VTTS reduced by 26% for individuals who performed multitasking. Furthermore, for reading on a mobile device, usage of social media, messaging or talking to someone on phone, and for gaming, the VTTS reduced by 25%, 37%, and 16% respectively. Findings were used to make cross country comparisons and discuss policy implications.