Workshop Synthesis: Understanding the mobility decision process: revealing attitudes, motivations, and intentions.

Abstract

There is a need for a better understanding of the mobility decision process, including the values, attitudes, motivations, capabilities, and intentions for traveling. Researchers and modelers of travel behaviour increasingly look to psychological theories to explain observed behaviours and social practices rather than solely “choices”. A special focus was provided in this workshop on qualitative and quantitative methods for data collection, as well as on data contextualisation and spatial and temporal scaling. The main conclusion was to use already experimented data collection tools, to consider aspects of inclusivity and equity, and the way in which those may bias the analysis; to intersect travelers’ profiles was suggested to improve neutrality. Lastly, beyond the question of the validity of current transport models to capture attitudes and behaviours towards new forms of mobility, that of their relevance and, more importantly their influence on transport policy design, target and implementation was emphasised.