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Department of Civil Engineering, Kuwait University, P. 0. Box 5969, Safat, Kuwait 13060 Fax: (965) 481-7524. E-mail: Parviz@kuc0l.kuniv.edu.kw

ABSTRACT

The problem of traffic congestion during daily peak hours has reached serious proportions in recent years in Kuwait. This research project was undertaken to examine the likely contribution of trip chaining to this daily congestion. The distribution of daily trips by purpose, mode vehicle occupancy time of day and trip duration is presented and a comparative analysis of trip chaining patterns is also performed Results indicate that in spite of the time-staggering of work and school activities, more than 31 percent of school trips are still made during the morning peak hour. Most of these are by auto and are chained to work trips. The number of complex chains reported by individual households in Kuwait was also found to be significantly lower than that reported by households in the United States and Europe. The very high auto ownership rate of Kuwaiti households, and their tendency to employ drivers, may explain this difference in complex trip chaining behavior. The study also involved the calibration of logistic models to predict the probability of Kuwaiti and expatriate households making complex trip chains. Findings of the research will assist responsible policy makers in the development of both short term transport system management (TSM) measures to curb congestion and alternative long-term urban transportation plans.