Trip Chaining

A new way of Commuting

drcommute   •   September 2021

Dear commuter,

Trip chaining behaviour has been acknowledged since the 1960s. Although to this date, there are no set agreements on the definition of this term, it is a pattern easily recognised. Nonetheless, how is this pattern analysed and what impact does it have on the commuter’s journey?

As a commuter myself I’ve noticed becoming a part of this commuting trend. Previous data released measuring commuting journeys base their model on a very simplistic framework.

Having said that let’s start with the main question: What is the meaning of commute?

The commute is a journey that an individual undertakes from home to work (and vice versa).

Currently, statistics on commuters behaviour extract their data based on this simplistic model.

Historically, the commute was a journey limited by urban and technological developments so, the commute patterns were well monitored and known. Nowadays with the advancement in the different modes of commute, transport links, technology and even flexible working patterns, the commuter’s journey transformed to adapt to the individual needs and priorities. This allows the commuter to plan ahead and integrate errands during this journey. In current times, the pattern of mobility during the commute is no longer defined by the original statement.  The need to acknowledge, accept, investigate and adapt is paramount to the complexity of human travel. Allowing future knowledge and resources to be used in transportation improvement policies, urban structure with the view to contribute positively to the future of the commute and ultimately to the commuter experience.

With that being said, what is trip chaining?

Currently, there is no set agreement for the definition of a trip chain.

Trip chaining is a travel pattern that combines the commuter’s daily commitments (non-work-related stops) into one simple trip (home to work or work to home).

For instance, during your commute, you make a stop to drop your children at the daycare centre, go to the gym or even do your shopping on your way back home. This is a simple diagram to help you understand the concept of trip chaining during your commute:

In simples words, you take advantage of your daily commute to do your errands with the view of saving time and money.

The trip chaining definition by the National Travel Survey in England:

Trips individuals make within a defined period of time (eg: morning peak). This includes both chains (stop in a journey to take a child to school or for other purposes regardless of the time taken) and travel patterns (someone who makes a trip with a purpose may return home and then make another trip).

Other trip chaining definition was described by McGucking and Nakamoto:

Travels between two anchors (The tour)  that is either a direct or with an intervening stop of 30 minutes or less (chain).

There are two anchor points in this case (home and work). The journey between these anchor points is considered the tour and chains are the stops or trips taken during this tour.

This definition was proposed by the U.S Federal Highway Administration and used by the 1995 Nationwide Personal Transportation Survey (NPTS) and the 2001 National Household Travel Survey (NHTS).

In 2008 Primerano et al proposed trip chain as:

A primary journey (e.g your commute to work) that start and ends at home with secondary trips linked to your main trip.

General aspects of your commute with trip chaining activities:

• Increased commute length both in time and miles
• That leads to an increasing number of stops
• Trip chaining behaviour is increasing both in male and female
• Women show a higher number of stops
• Predominant in non-urban areas
• With an increase in denser urban areas as well
• The mode of commute preferred in non-urban areas is the car
• But trip chaining behaviour is seen using different modes of transportation

According to the latter study, these are the most common stops from home-to-work and work-to-home.

The complexity of trip-chaining (on the way to and from work) in different household types increases from:

It is in the presence of households with children that commute patterns and trip chain behaviours diverge from men and women. Showing an increase of women stopping on their way to work and back. Other studies  reached the same conclusion.

In these studies there are noticeable differences between commute trip chaining behaviours between men, women and their household structure. Again the data collected is from 1995 NPTS and the 2001 NHTS:

• both man and women increased their stops during their commute from 1995-2001 mainly from home to work
• Men’s trip chaining increased almost twice as much (24%) – stops for meals and coffee – “Starbucks effect”
• Men in a household with teenager children or no children showed an increase in trip chaining behaviour
• More than 40% within a household with small children included non-work stops into their commute – slight change since 1995
• When both parents work the trips to drop off or pick up a child is made by women 66% and men 34%.
• Women are more likely to incorporate household responsibilities: ex: children’s drop-off

As well as this paper where it is mentioned that:

When households come into light:

• 80% of both men and women in households with no children show no stops on their way to work.
• 40-50% of stops on their journey back home.

The causes of this shift away from the traditional commuting patterns are not clear at the present time but it is speculated that it can be a consequence of:

• Trip Chaining: commuters tend to combine in their primary trip (house to work) non-working related trips (picking up children, grabbing coffee, groceries, gym..)
• Change in the work pattern – part-time, remote workers.
• Workers with no fixed usual workplace

Several questions focusing primarily on the trip chain behaviour, need to be considered before collecting new data related to the increase of this commuting trend.  The questions that come to light are: a) what is the formal and comparable definition of trip chain; b) what comparable data should be used? What should be the length of the trip? The purpose of the trip? What is the direction of the commute journey (home-to-work or work-to-home)? Or the number of stops? Studies have shown that incorporating an analysis with a geographical component will step up the understanding of trip chain behaviour during commuting.

All of these variables need to be accounted for to enable future realistic data collection for empirical studies. Allowing an in-depth understanding of the commuting patterns of nowadays. Giving the researchers the tools to compare these results and differentiate them across generations and countries. This will allow targeted policy-making to shift and accommodate the commuters priorities and interlink them with urban improvements such as transport facilitation, employment, services etc.

Please share with us your thoughts and experiences.

Backpack and Back pain

The Commuters Guide to Prevent Back Injuries

drcommute   •   August 2021

Dear commuter,

Do you have a backpack or back pain? In other words, during your commute do you feel tension on your shoulders or discomfort on your lower back? This is the ultimate guide to prevent backpack injuries during your commute.

Generally speaking, this is clearly a relatable topic across several generations. The backpack is introduced to us at a quite young age but it is later in life that the impact of poor habits will eventually sneak up on us. Consequently, it leads to negative repercussions on our comfort and ultimately our health. Needless to say, that prevention and awareness of the impact of a poorly fitted backpack is vital for a healthy spine and mainly an uneventful commute.

As we are well aware, commuting times are on the rise, leading to an increase in our backpack weight. We tend to carry our lunch, gym gear, computers, books and probably we still do our groceries on our way back home. In the long run, this new way of commute called trip chaining results in a natural increase of what we carry. With  the prospects of taking advantage of our long commute. Can you relate to this?

So, I am here to address the importance of a good backpack. In addition, I will explain how you should wear it and what you should look out in order to prevent future injuries. In conclusion this commuter guide will help you improve the quality of your commute.

Back pain is a very common symptom and it is expected that 80% of the population will experience back pain at some point in their lifetimes.

I’ve come across several papers focusing on both children and adolescents and the impact of backpacks design and loads coupled with the change in posture and increase of physical discomfort. Probably because this can be detected quite easily in children and adolescents, when it comes to adults there are other factors that back pain can be linked to rather than your backpack. Nonetheless there are no strong longitudinal studies that link the backpack as a possible risk for back pain.

This systematic review concludes there is no current evidence that indicates a link between backpacks and the increased risk of back pain in children and adolescents although there is some evidence correlating the back pain with the weight of the backpack.

The sooner you understands the benefits from a comfortable backpack and backpacking techniques the better to help prevent or reduce injuries. Ultimately, improving the quality of your commute:

As a general rule, your backpack should be removed before boarding and kept low or at your feet. Don’t forget to bend your legs when you need to grab it to prevent straining your back.

Finally, I am proud of you! If you are reading this and got this far it’s because you do want to make a difference and improve. I know it is hard to take the first step. Let me know how your commute improved with these tips.

Or even better, tell me about your daily commute.

drcommute   •   December, 2019 (Updated 2021)

Dear commuter,

We live in a Digital Era! Sometimes, I just take a step back and glare at these amazing times. I am utterly astonished at the way we are globally connected. We have the opportunity to obtain instant information delivered to us in a matter of seconds. We just need to have good connection, or a stable Wi-Fi and voila everything at your fingertips.

According to several surveys, it is well known that commuting times are on the rise. Consequently, there is a clear impact on our happiness and well-being. Embrace this time and combine it with this phenomenal point in history and transform it into a positive outcome. Take advantage of the technology and plan your journey, learn something new, relax and be productive. In fact, there are numerous apps choices that can enhance any skills you want to master.

If you are a long commuter like me, make sure you are one step ahead of the challenges, know your priorities and plan your journey to boost your productivity.

Either you have a short or long commute, several apps can enhance your experience as a commuter.

Here is a list of the best apps for commuters, divided into 8 categories:

The best apps for commuters list will be frequently updated.

If you have any suggestions, please don’t hesitate to mention them.