A Mode Choice Model for the Trans Papua Highway Using the Multinomial Logit Model Approach

Herbin F. Betaubun; Sumarni Hamid Aly; Sakti Adji Adisasmita; Muralia Hustim

doi:10.48084/etasr.18814

Authors

Herbin F. Betaubun Doctoral Program, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
Sumarni Hamid Aly Department of Environmental Engineering, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
Sakti Adji Adisasmita Department of Civil Engineering, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
Muralia Hustim Department of Environmental Engineering, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia

Volume: 16 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 36337-36344 | June 2026 | https://doi.org/10.48084/etasr.18814

Received: 18 March 2026 | Revised: 15 April 2026 | Accepted: 26 April 2026 | Online: 12 May 2026

Corresponding author: Sumarni Hamid Aly

Abstract

Land transport accessibility in border regions shapes connectivity, equity in service provision, and population mobility, yet empirical evidence on mode choice behavior in areas with limited transport options remains scarce. This study aims to model transport mode choice along the pioneering Trans Papua Highway in Merauke Regency and to identify its principal determinants. A revealed preference approach was employed through a survey of 405 land transport users. The data were analyzed using a multinomial logit model to examine the effects of travel attributes, socio-economic characteristics, vehicle access, and travel culture on the vehicle choice among Damri bus, private car, and motorcycle. The results show that the determinants of mode choice do not operate uniformly across alternatives. In the comparison between motorcycle and private car, travel attributes, driving license ownership, trip destination, and, most notably, travel culture emerged as the key differentiating factors. In contrast, in the comparison between Damri bus and private car, socio-economic conditions and access to private vehicles exerted a stronger influence, particularly through education, income, driving license ownership, and vehicle ownership. These findings suggest that travel culture constitutes an important empirical explanation for choices between modes. This study extends the mode choice literature in remote areas by demonstrating that behavioral determinants are alternative-specific. The findings imply that transport policy in border regions should be designed more contextually, with greater attention to affordability, mobility access, and local travel patterns.

Keywords:

transport mode choice, multinomial logit, Trans Papua Highway, border areas, travel culture

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