Analysis of the spatial range advantage of vehicle owners and its implications on vehicle ownership aspirations: Insights from India and takeaways for transportation equity

The existence, causes, and consequences of the accessibility advantage offered by personal motorized vehicles relative to alternative modes have been explored in the literature. We use data from a relatively understudied geographical context to estimate the magnitude and analyze the implications of the disparity in spatial range, specifically the 60-min travel range – i.e., the maximum distance that can be covered, on average, via the multimodal transportation network – between personal motorized vehicle owners and non-owners. A higher travel range within a specified time window may indicate greater accessibility to opportunities. We use nationally representative survey data comprising over 178,000 households across India to first examine whether and to what extent household vehicle ownership is associated with a relative 60-min travel range advantage. Using an experience- and perception-based measure of household-level travel range, we find that the 60-min travel range of vehicle-owning households is at least 10 % more than vehicle-less households. This travel range advantage is relatively greater in rural and low-density areas and locations with limited public transit services. Next, we analyze whether the 60-min travel range determines the aspiration of owning a household vehicle. In urban areas, a one-km lower 60-min travel range is associated with about 5 % higher odds of aspiring to own a car. Our analysis highlights that existing vehicle owners in India enjoy a potential spatial travel range advantage relative to non-owners, and that this advantage promotes latent demand for vehicle ownership in urban areas. Closing the gap can ensure equity in accessibility and reduce personal vehicle dependence.