Christina Milioti

Urban Road Pricing: Modeling Public Acceptance

Acceptability is considered the most important barrier in establishing a congestion pricing scheme. Using data from an extensive questionnaire survey conducted in the central area of Athens, Greece, in 2008, this paper examines attitudes toward traffic congestion, choice of travel mode, and revenue allocation, which can influence the acceptability of congestion pricing. Since one of the major goals of congestion pricing is to discourage personal automobile use, we also examine the choice of mode following the implementation of a congestion pricing system. Further, we developed a multivariate probit model to investigate the factors that influence public perception regarding the effectiveness of six traffic-management measures. Results from this study can assist in better understanding the factors that affect public acceptance of congestion pricing in urban areas.

An Empirical Investigation of Motorcycle Ownership and Usage

Motorcycles are a widespread mode of travel in several parts of the world as, for example, in Southern Europe and Asia. However, motorcycle ownership and usage have been scarcely examined, despite being critical for developing transportation and traffic safety plans and policies in urban areas with high motorcycle presence. This paper describes models that were developed for this purpose based on questionnaires collected in Athens, Greece. A binary Probit model is used for analyzing motorcycle ownership and a hazard-based duration model for explaining factors affecting motorcycle usage. Results indicated that income, gender, and age are factors affecting motorcycle ownership and use; in addition, appropriate spatial trip characteristics have an effect on motorcycle ownership and usage.

Impact of the Financial Recession on the Taxi Market

This paper investigates the impact of the economic recession on the taxi market in Greece. Data are used from two questionnaires, addressed to both taxi drivers and users. The perceptions of drivers and users about the effects of recession, service quality issues, and possible solutions to mitigate the negative impacts are recorded. The statistical tests reveal that significant differences exist between the responses before and during the economic recession regarding taxi use and working conditions of taxi drivers. A binary logit model is developed to analyze the effect of financial recession on taxi use. The model shows that trip purpose and frequency are the main factors that influence the possibility of reducing taxi use. Quantitative results provide useful information to the taxi industry, which can proceed in necessary management actions for mitigating impacts of financial recession.