CAN I GO BY BUS? A LITERATURE SURVEY ON THE ROLE OF KNOWLEDGE IN DETERMINING MODAL CHOICE FOR TRAVEL TO WORK

KAN MAN TA BUSSEN? EN LITTERATURSTUDIE OM KUNSKAPENS ROLL FOER VAL AV FAERDSAETT VID ARBETSPENDLING

The purpose of this report is to examine the role of knowledge in determining modal choice for travel to work. This question has been approached by examining different theories and empirical studies. Four main questions were addressed: (1) What characterizes the process underlying the modal choice; (2) Which evaluative criteria determines the choice; (3) What knowledge about different modes of transport do the commuters possess; and (4) Can the modal choice be influenced by information aiming at increasing knowledge? The literature survey shows that surprisingly little research effort has been directed at commuters' knowledge and its effects. Nevertheless, sufficient theoretical and empirical support can be found for the main conclusion that information aimed at increased knowledge would not have a major positive effect on the use of public transportation. Despite the main conclusion, the literature also gives reason to believe that some results could be achieved by enhancing knowledge. Information can lead to increased use of public transport if correctly timed and targeted. The potential for persuasive information is likely to be the greatest among those who experience a real commuting problem, e.g., when place of work or residence have changed. As concerns timing, real changes such as a significant increase in the price of gasoline are likely to trigger problem recognition and thus a search for alternatives. While the perspective taken initially primarily concerned knowledge about public transport, the study has given reason to believe that knowledge about costs and environmental consequences of the private car may be equally important. (A)

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/14036924
• Corporate Authors:

  Umeaa Universitet

  Trafik-Och Transportforskningsenheten
  Solna,   Sweden 
• Authors:
  • DAVIDSSON, P
  • EKLOEV, G
• Publication Date: 1993

Language

• Swedish

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 28 p.
• Serial:
  • TRUM-RAPPORT
  • Issue Number: 1993:1
  • Publisher: Umeaa Universitet
  • ISSN: 1403-6924

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Comprehension; Marketing; Modal split; Public transit; Publicity; Transportation modes; Work trips
• ITRD Terms: 2209: Comprehension; 621: Journey to work; 277: Marketing; 675: Modal split; 744: Public transport; 8573: Publicity; 1145: Transport mode
• Subject Areas: Public Transportation; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00725259
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI)
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Sep 26 1996 12:00AM