Reassessing travel time perception through ICT use: Evidence from commuter behaviour in the Madrid Region

The influence of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) on the perception of travel time has grown markedly with the increasing use of digital tools during longer commutes. Commuters’ perception of travel time is a growing focus in transport planning, though research remains limited in the European context, especially in the Madrid Region. To examine this, a survey was conducted among 923 commuters in the Madrid Region (54 % female; 65 % commuting for occupational purposes), inquiring about their travel activities and both actual and perceived travel time when engaging in ICT-related behaviors. Activities were categorized into three groups (Entertainment, Social Interactions, and Productivity), and their dependence on ICT devices (e.g., texting) was evaluated. Using generalized ordinal logistic regression analysis, findings indicate that ICT-related activities significantly reduce perceived travel time more than non-ICT-related ones, independent of the activity type. Additionally, a CHAID decision tree analysis explored users’ willingness to wait for specific onboard amenities (Wi-Fi, outlet/tray table, low occupancy), identifying distinct user profiles for each preference. Public transport users reported greater reductions in perceived travel time through ICT use, while no significant differences were observed based on gender or technological proficiency. Age was inversely related to changes in travel time perception, with older users reporting fewer perceptual shifts. Moreover, individuals with medium-to-high income levels did not exhibit significant changes in their perception of travel duration. These findings offer valuable insights for transportation planning, underscoring the importance of considering perceived travel experience. Understanding the role of ICTs in shaping commuter satisfaction can support strategic efforts to encourage a modal shift toward public transport by enhancing the travel environment and aligning it with user preferences.