Do Young Children Affect Travel Behavior for Parents in Atlanta?

Abstract

It is well researched that the physical environment can influence mode choices such as transit or walking. However, does having dependent children also play a significant role in mode choice? This paper will investigate how having children five years old and younger can affect the travel behavior of parents in Metro Atlanta. Travel survey data from the Atlanta Regional Commission is used to delineate what variables lead to different mode choices, with specific attention to transit and walk trips in the region. Due to the significant role accessible child care facilities plays on the working population, spatial mapping is used to illustrate the distribution of child care facilities in the City of Atlanta. Finally, this report will highlight how gender plays an overall role in the travel behavior of parents and recommend policies to help offset associated challenges.