A novel procedure to survey travel behaviour, time use, and goods consumption from the same individuals

Data requirements for modern transport research have changed in conjunction with the advances of transport models and evolving research topics to better understand mobility choices under budgetary and time constraints. These applications need spatially explicit data on time use, travel, and expenditure. In this work, we present a combination of the official Austrian Household Budget Survey with a subsequent Mobility and Activity survey. This method enhances the quality of data beyond previous approaches including conjoint mobility-activity-expenditure diaries or inferred combined data sets. It delivers a seamless sequence of trips and activities over one week along with detailed expenditure data for the same individuals. Ex-ante response rates are compared to observed rates and the obtained sample is contrasted with relevant benchmark data. We find that the sample resembles the known population characteristics and reference values well, even though some adjustments might be necessary for specific analyses. The combined survey method constitutes a marked improvement over its predecessor in terms of the survey process as well as the content and quality of the resulting data. It allows for in-depth analyses of the trade-offs between travel and non-travel activities as well as the factors influencing an increasingly complex and flexible travel behaviour. In doing so, it can serve as a basis for improved transport models - particularly activity-based models and agent-based simulation models.