Determinants of First and Last Mile Mode Choice to Transit Stations

The first and last mile (F&LM) are crucial aspects of transit services shaping the experience of transit users. Understanding the factors influencing travellers’ choice of first and last mile is essential for improving multimodal connectivity and promoting sustainable mobility. This study analyzes F&LM mode choice using survey responses on how travellers’ access/egress transit stations. A multinomial logit (MNL) model was estimated in SPSS using a forward stepwise approach. F&LM mode choice was estimated using socio-demographic factors (age, gender, education, and income) alongside trip purpose and standardized travel time and distance. Distance to the transit station emerged as the most influential determinant of non-walking choices, followed by education level and trip purpose. Shopping and social/recreational trips showed the highest likelihood of using Car/Taxi/Rickshaw, while education-related trips were more likely to involve motorcycles. The findings highlight the critical role of spatial accessibility and socio-economic differences in shaping F&LM travel behaviour and suggest that station-area planning should prioritize walkability, safety, and equitable design for diverse trip purposes and traveller groups.