A structural equation modeling approach to explore urban sprawl and its impact on commuting outcomes in the U.S. urbanized areas

Keywords: Urban Sprawl, Urbanized Area, Commuting Behavior, Structural Equation Model
Abstract Type: Paper Abstract

Abstract

Numerous studies indicate compactness of urban area affects journey to work/commuting. However, there is insufficient evidence on how compactness affects vehicle ownership, travel distance, and area-wide congestion, affecting in turn commuters' mode selection and commuting time. To address this gap, this study employed structural equation modeling to account for both direct and indirect effects of compactness on commuting behavior. The specific objectives of this research are- (a) to assess compactness of U.S. urbanized areas using the established compactness/sprawl metrics; (b) to analyze commuting behavior using American Community Survey (ACS) commuting data; (c) to find the impact of urban sprawl on commuting behavior considering the mediation effect of vehicle ownership, travel distance, and congestion. Study results help better understand the effect of compactness on commuting mode choice and commuting time controlling for the confounding variables. Additional outcomes of this research include the strength and direction of impact of mediating variables on commuting. Study findings would aid city planners and policymakers in developing long-term plans for sustainable and equitable transportation in urban areas.