Qiming Zhang

 

University / Organisation : Paris University Dauphine-PSL

Paper or project ? project

Title : Understanding Consumer Behavior in Travel Mode Choices: A Choice-Based Conjoint Analysis in France

File : Download

Abstract : As shared mobility platforms like BlaBlaCar grow, understanding how con- sumers make travel decisions under different planning conditions is crucial for optimizing pricing and service strategies.However, research on how behavioral factors influence transport mode selection is limited. This study addresses this gap by applying Choice-Based Conjoint Analysis and Discrete Choice Model to investigate how travelers choose their carpooling options when booking in advance (Planned), on short notice (Unplanned), or at the last minute (Impulse). A survey-based experiment was conducted with 260 respondents, each completing nine choice tasks under one of the three booking scenarios. To account for preference heterogeneity, we estimated Mixed Multi-nomial Logit models, allowing for a more detailed analysis of individual differences in travel choices. The findings reveal different decision patterns across planning behav- iors. Planned travelers are highly price-sensitive, prioritizing cost over other attributes.Additionally, behavioral factors such as loss aversion and scarcity ef- fects significantly impact last-minute booking decisions, highlighting the role of psychological nudges in influencing travel choices. These insights offer valuable implications for transport economics and shared mobility services.Carpooling platforms can optimize dynamic pricing models (e.g., early-bird discounts for planned travelers and premium instant booking fees for impulse travelers) and develop personalized recommendation algorithms to enhance user experience.