User behaviour and mobility patterns in the context of major societal trends

Specific challenge: There is a lack of understanding of the role of user behaviour in modal choice and mobility patterns. For example, it is not clear which factors influence user behaviour and with what intensity. In addition, it is not clear how major societal trends, such as ageing or urbanisation, or trends in family composition, working and living patterns, impact on user behaviour. A better understanding of these issues and their complex interactions and impacts will support the development of innovative transport products and services. It will also underpin policy geared towards sustainable mobility at different spatial levels.

Scope: Proposals should build on existing knowledge and aim at establishing and progressing the state of the art in research on transport behaviour and its implications for modal choice and mobility patterns. Existing and possible future research and innovation avenues should be mapped. The work should rely as much as possible on available data. Proposals should at least address the following aspects:

      The factors that influence user behaviour in relation to the use of private and public transport, covering all transport modes as well as 'new modes' such as car sharing, bike sharing and tram-trains. The analysis should take into account the characteristics and specific needs of the various user groups (elderly, young, single parents, women, employed and unemployed, immigrants, etc.) in order to obtain insight on the relations between socio-economic conditions and mobility attitudes.

      The evolving mobility patterns at different spatial levels, taking into account the main socio-economic conditions and trends in Europe. Compare mobility patterns in different parts of Europe and/or different spatial levels (e.g urban, peri-urban, rural, regional, national, European, etc). The impacts on the requirements of the current and future European transport system should be considered.

      Taking into account the main societal trends, the possible ways to cater for future mobility needs through the provision of new or adapted transport products and services, including the assessment of the related business models, organisational models and identification of the appropriate policy context. The implications for the various user groups and on staff requirements and working conditions should be considered.

      The role of emerging information and communication technologies, including the opportunities provided by cloud computing, in collecting data on user behaviour and mobility patterns and in offering new, user-friendly products and services that may influence user behaviour through information provision, transport system management and changes in working and living locations.

Expected impact:

      The work is expected to collect and generate new knowledge on user behaviour and its impact on transport and mobility patterns, in the light of societal trends and the evolving user expectations; and to help facilitate acceptance of innovative more sustainable mobility options

      This will also enable transport policy makers, authorities and public and private product and service providers at various levels to design more effective and viable solutions, with a view to a more sustainable and user friendly transport system.

Type of action: Coordination and Support Actions