Attitudes and perceptions towards shared mobility services: Repeated cross-sectional results from a survey among the Maltese population

Abstract

Shared mobility services, such as (e-)bicycle and car sharing, are a recent introduction in Malta. Following the roll out of these services, the transport regulator (Transport Malta) implemented an information and awareness campaign to promote the use of shared mobility services, and to educate the general public about cycling safety and how to safely share the road. This paper presents the results of a repeated cross-sectional survey with a sample representative of the Maltese population, to understand the awareness and acceptance of these shared mobility services, and analyse the impact of the information and awareness campaign through a comparison of ‘before’ and ‘after’ results.The ‘before’ results show that the majority of respondents are not aware of bicycle sharing or car sharing. While the second wave of the survey showed an increase in awareness about shared mobility services, wave 3 did not show a continuation of this trend, and evidence for a strong impact of the information and awareness campaign is limited. Respondents consider reduction in traffic and pollution, as well as getting exercise as the main reasons for considering bicycle sharing. For car sharing, respondents view convenience and time savings, as well as financial savings, as the main considerations. Improved road safety and more specifically, segregated and safe infrastructure, investment in cycling skills, and education to promote cycling safety are the main factors identified that have the potential to encourage respondents to consider starting to use bicycle sharing.The exposure to and understanding of the information and awareness campaign is evaluated through additional questions in the second and third wave of the survey, during and directly following the most intensive part of the campaign. The paper ends with a discussion of the results and recommendations for action in support of further promotion of shared mobility services.