Effects of within-trip subjective experiences on travel satisfaction and travel mode choice: A conceptual framework

Abstract

Modest shifts from car use to active travel can result in substantial health, emissions, and economic improvements that result in cleaner, greener, and healthier cities. To achieve modal shift towards active travel, the transport field has long considered how psychosocial factors outlined by theories such as the theory of planned behaviour underpin travel mode choice. Recent models of travel behaviour detail how travel satisfaction – a person’s cognitive and affective evaluations of their travel – influences mode-related attitudes which in turn influences desires and intentions to use a specific travel mode. In this conceptual paper, we introduce the concept of within-trip subjective experiences – cognitive and affective responses to individual events and stimuli during travel – and propose potential mechanisms for how within-trip experiences affect travel satisfaction and mode-related attitudes. Specifically, people have emotional and cognitive reactions to individual stimuli (e.g., near miss incident, pleasant scenery, heavy traffic) which are mediated by the process of appraisal. Over the course of a trip, the sum of these subjective reactions form the basis of their within-trip experience, which heavily shape perceptions of travel satisfaction and subsequently influence attitudes and intentions to use a specific mode. Furthermore, within-trip subjective experiences to stimuli potentially modify the beliefs that mode-related attitudes consist of, further highlighting the importance of considering within-trip experiences to individual stimuli for understanding travel behaviour and mode choice. The consideration of within-trip experiences highlights the individuality of peoples’ responses to stimuli. Understanding and addressing this individuality and the unique needs of all potential user groups may assist in achieving mass modal shift towards cycling and active travel.

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