Investigating travel time satisfaction and actual versus ideal commute times: A path analysis approach

This paper investigates relationships between travel time satisfaction and both ideal commute time (ICT) and reported actual commute time (ACT). Based on an online questionnaire survey of 628 commuters in Portland, Oregon, this study uses path analysis models to explore factors associated with travel time satisfaction, ICT and ACT, and commute time dissonance (ACT − ICT). Consistent with past research, few people desire zero travel time and more commuters are satisfied than dissatisfied with their typical travel time, but most people commute for longer-than-ideal durations. Model results reveal a strong negative relationship between ACT and satisfaction, a weak positive direct association between ICT and satisfaction, and a negative link between commute time dissonance and satisfaction. Furthermore, active modes (walking and cycling) induce higher satisfaction with travel time and lower dissonance, while public transit riders are more satisfied but also more dissonant compared to automobile users. Few socio-demographic and work-related attributes are significant, suggesting the need to account for additional subjective personal characteristics (e.g., attitudes, personality). •Bidirectional link between ACT and ICT.•Satisfaction levels decrease with increase in ACT and commute dissonance (ACT-ICT).•Active modes associated with longer ICT, lower dissonance, higher satisfaction.•Transit users with longer ACT, and higher dissonance, remain satisfied.•Socio-demographics are not consistently associated with variables of interest.