Mobility values in a finite world: pathways beyond austerianism?

Abstract

ABSTRACT When considering the environmental and economic crisis humanity is likely to experience in the near future, it becomes inescapable to ponder the values guiding decision-making and policy-making processes concerned with mobility and transport futures. Existing suggestions tend to centre around what this article denominates mobility austerianism. This is a frugal transport-related societal configuration in which mobility is heavily restricted based on a strict perception of environmental sustainability in terms of radical protection of the environment at the cost of human comfort. Trip purposes, in this context, should be as limited as possible to the satisfaction of primary needs, emphasizing sufficiency values. This research explores the desirability of mobility austerianism by engaging transport and mobility experts in mixed methods. The results provide a picture of the mobility values the experts endorse. They welcome a certain level of mobility austerianism regarding transport means. However, they remain sceptical about embracing mobility austerianism regarding trip purposes. The ramifications of these conclusions for transport policy are critically discussed, and the outlines of possible future pathways – some more and some less focused on mobility austerianism – are explored.