Abstract
This paper looks at personal transport futures in the context of greenhouse gas emissions reduction, as portrayed in documents from various stakeholders in the transport sector. It analyses the role of frames and narratives in constructing stories of the future, through the lens of two innovations: electric vehicles (EVs) and car clubs. Most of the documents draw on technological progress to tell stories of a future similar to the present but with EVs or other low-carbon vehicles, while car club focused documents stress broader notions of sustainability. A number of economic, technological and political-related frames are identified, which are used in constructing and justifying these stories. Some frames, such as ‘economic growth’, are nearly ubiquitous. Narratives support and are sometimes actively supported by the stories, such as ‘technology neutrality’. Frames and narratives play a key role in creating stories of the future, and help create and maintain expectations and legitimacy of innovations. Frame analysis helps unpick and challenge unrealistic expectations that might leave us unprepared for the future.
Highlights
The future of surface transport is a much debated topic
Two broad narratives are apparent from the choice of study: The first is the emergence of climate change and the problem of surface transport CO2 emissions, which will be resolved through improvement of standard vehicles (ICEVs) and the introduction of electric vehicles
This paper reviews frames and narratives used in explorations of personal transport futures in the UK, considering perspectives from frame analysis, visions and expectations, and stories of the future
Summary
The future of surface transport is a much debated topic. the current modes and volume of personal mobility are considered environmentally unsustainable, primarily because of greenhouse gas emissions of cars. Personal surface transport in the UK has for decades been dominated by a system of automobility where privately owned cars are seen as a right and a necessity; car-based mobility is linked to economic development; and norms, practices and institutions reinforce the role of cars in society [2,3]. This paper considers how the framing of the innovations plays an important role, with frames acting as building blocks in constructing stories told about the future, and how narratives, which weave together different frames, reflect and strengthen dominant worldviews and agendas. It concludes that analysing the frames underlying the stories helps unpick and challenge unrealistic expectations that might leave us unprepared for the future.
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