Characteristics of school trips in Colombo

Abstract

This study explores the characteristics of travel mode choice of school trips made by students whose age between 11 to 18 years. The objectives of this study were to investigate the factors affecting travel mode choice of school trips and to recommend mitigation strategies to reduce traffic congestion due to school trips in Colombo. Questionnaire surveys were conducted among school students in Colombo to gather information related to the mode of transport to and from schools. The factors that explain the reasons for the choice in the particular mode of transport were investigated. A model is developed to understand the relationship between each of the determinants and the choice of mode transport to analyze how this study can be utilized to benefit the overall modes of transport available for school children. The pilot study was conducted among randomly selected 65 students from the Colombo district. The study went on to identify the mode of transport commonly used by students. It was identified that 53% of students used private mode of transport whereas just 34% of students used public transport when traveling to school. Moreover another 11% of the respondents went to school by walking. As per this study, it was identified that nearly 42% of the students were accompanied by parents or guardians when traveling to their respective schools. However, a similar 45% of the students who were taken into a pilot study, traveled to school alone. When considering the average distance to school from home, 79% of students traveled less than 10 km to school. Hence, this study clearly identified that the use of private transport methods has been a major factor contributing to the traffic congestions in the area, hence, improved public service transport, improved cycle paths and set-up of appropriate pedestrian paths are identified as major factors that can resolve this pertaining issue.