The Spatial Correlation of Mode Choice Behavior based on Smart Card Transit Data in Seoul

In this study, we provide empirical evidence of whether a spatial correlation among mode choices at the TAZ(Traffic Analysis Zone) level exists based on transit smart card data observed in Seoul, Korea. The results show that the areas with a higher probability that passengers choose to take a bus are clustered and that those regions have fewer metro stations than bus stations. We also found that the spatial correlation turned out to be statistically meaningful and provided an opportunity for the potential use of the spatial correlation in modeling mode choices. A reliable spatial interaction would constitute valuable information for transportation agencies in terms of their route planning and scheduling based on the transit smart card data.