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"Subjective Assessments of Personal Mobility: What Makes the Difference Between a Little and a Lot?"

"Subjective Assessments of Personal Mobility: What Makes the Difference Between a Little and a Lot?"

Journal Article, Transport Policy, volume 14, issue 3, pages 181-192

Spring 2007

Authors: Gustavo Collantes, Former Research Fellow, Energy Technology Innovation Policy Research Group/Enviroment and Natural Resources Program, 2007-2008, Patricia L. Mokhtarian

Belfer Center Programs or Projects: Energy Technology Innovation Policy; Environment and Natural Resources; Science, Technology, and Public Policy

 

ABSTRACT

Using survey data collected from 1358 commuting workers in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1998, this paper empirically explores the determinants of individuals’ subjective assessments of their mobility (measured on a five-point ordinal scale, for 10 different categories of travel). Linear regression was used to identify the relative importance of reported mobility in explaining the variance of the dependent variables. A variety of personal factors were also found to significantly influence such assessments: personality traits, travel-related attitudes, lifestyle characteristics, and affinity for travel. The study provides insight into the way individuals mentally process the amount of travel they do, which will increase our understanding of travel behavior and its motivations.

 

For more information about this publication please contact the ETIP Coordinator at 617-496-5584.

Full text of this publication is available at:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tranpol.2006.12.002

For Academic Citation:

Collantes, Gustavo O. and Patricia L. Mokhtarian. "Subjective Assessments of Personal Mobility: What Makes the Difference Between a Little and a Lot?." Transport Policy 14, no. 3 (Spring 2007): 181-192.

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