Abstract
To reduce car usage, several strategies are needed, one of which focuses on social psychological factors. The aim of this study was to predict and explain bus usage using the theory of planned behaviour and the transtheoretical model of change in a sample of 983 residents. The study also evaluated the effect of providing a group of regular car users (n = 34) with a free travel pass, to be used on busses and trains in the region. A regression analysis showed that the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) explained 26% of the variance in intention to use the bus, increasing to 59% when past behaviour was added. The use of the free travel pass resulted in a more positive attitude towards bus usage, with a large number having either changed or having started to change their behaviour. When the same people were contacted three months later, 50% still used public transport. The conclusion is that negative attitudes and travel habits can be altered by experience. Although, a reduction of car use can only be achieved if several measures are implemented that make car driving less attractive and sustainable modes of transport more attractive.
Highlights
In the European Union, the majority of cars still run on fossil fuels (ACEA 2018)
The results showed that some of them had remained on stage 2, nearly half had moved to the stage and had begun using public transport (PT) occasionally and some had even moved stage 4, using PT all the time
This study showed that those who did not travel by bus were negatively disposed toward this mode of transport
Summary
In the European Union, the majority of cars still run on fossil fuels (ACEA 2018). This can have a negative impact on the environment and, according to preliminary data, passenger cars contribute to44% of the transport sector emissions (European Environment Agency 2016). The argument is, at least in western Europe, that car use is reaching saturation point, which is the so called “peak-car” phenomenon (Cohen 2012; Goodwin and Van Dender 2013; Metz 2015; Millard-Ball and Schipper 2011). This appears to be a misnomer, as the numbers of new car registrations were up by 3.4% in 2017, this following four consecutive years of increase (Car Sales Statistics 2017).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
