Comparing the Effect of Lifestyle, Travel and Residential Attitudes on Male and Female Commute Mode Choice

Due to the differences between men and women, they are expected to exhibit different travel behaviors. In developing countries, there are limited studies on citizen travel behavior. The main aim of this study is to clarify the transportation behavior distinctions between men and women by modeling the effect of lifestyles and attitudes on the commuters’ mode choice. For this purpose, an interview questionnaire was designed, and 979 participants were interviewed in Tehran. Questions were posed about attitudes toward transportation, attitudes toward residential location, and lifestyle of individuals. The results of factor analysis indicate a significant difference between men’s and women’s lifestyles and attitudes. The total effect of public oriented, walking oriented and vehicle oriented attitude on car use for men (women) are 0.149 (0.138), -0.145 (0.088), and 0.234 (0.324) respectively. These results show that men with walking-oriented attitude use car less but women with this attitude use car more. These differences verify the importance of making transportation policies addressing gender distinctions.