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January 16, 2008
Getting into our Heads
Portland State University
Center for Transportation Studies
Winter 2008 Transportation Seminar Series
Speaker: Brent Zenobia, Software Engineering, Portland State University
Topic: Psychological Insights on Transportation Mode Choice
When: Friday, January 18, 2008, 12:00-1:30 pm
Where: 204 Urban Center
Abstract: Transportation mode choice is often expressed in terms of models which assume rational choice; psychological case studies of mode adoption are comparatively rare. We present findings from a study of the psychology of adoption for sustainable transportation modes such as bicycles, car sharing, and mass transit. Case studies were conducted with current and former participants in PSU’s ‘Passport Plus’ transit pass program, as well as a longitudinal cohort study of first-time winter bicycle commuters. Composite sequence analysis was used to construct a theory of the adoption process for these modes. Our findings suggest that mode evaluation is cognitively distinct from mode selection and has different information requirements. We conclude that public and private organizations could improve the adoption rate for these modes by tailoring their communication strategies to match the commuter’s stage of adoption.
Posted by Chris Smith at 12:00 AM
Comments
January 16, 2008 3:48 PM
Michael Wilson Says:
Maybe if there were more options such as private buses, ride sharing cabs, jitneys, and shuttle there would be different outcomes. When one limits the factors one limits the outcomes.
Did this study take into consideration the limits government has placed on the transit marketplace by outlawing some types of services?
MW
