Investigating unfulfilled travel needs for people with travel-limiting conditions—Using the 2017 National Household Travel Survey (NHTS) data

Despite the increasing awareness of unmet travel needs of people with disabilities (PWD), there is a lack of research that explores the intersectionality of disability with other aspects of an individual’s identity, such as gender, race, ethnicity, employment status, income, and age. To bridge this research gap, this study investigated the disparities of unmet travel needs within specific subgroups of the disabled population using data from the 2017 National Household Travel Survey (NHTS). Studying the travel needs of PWD is crucial not only for understanding the unique challenges faced by PWD but also for uncovering potential gender and social inequities in transportation. A logit model with interaction effects was developed to identify the influential factors contributing to the decision to “reduce day-to-day travel”. By utilizing this modeling approach, the study identified key determinants that influence the occurrence of unmet travel needs among PWD and shed light on the underlying factors that contribute to the observed variations. The study uncovered the intricate relationships of gender, poverty status, race, and travel experiences among individuals with disabilities. The findings underscore the importance of exploring specific subgroups within these categories to gain deeper insights into the travel challenges and needs faced by disabled individuals. This study also reveals the potential suppression of travel desires and overlooked travel needs within the Hispanic disabled population, highlighting the necessity for targeted interventions and support to address these disparities. Policymakers are encouraged to develop strategies tailored to the specific difficulties and special travel needs of disadvantaged groups.