Economic crisis and promotion of sustainable transportation: A case survey in the city of Volos, Greece

The paper presents the results of a survey that examines the effects of the current economic crisis to the promotion of sustainable transportation in the city of Volos (a medium-sized Greek city, 130,000 inhabitants). The survey was based on a questionnaire conducted on a random sample of 605 participants through personal interviews in the year 2013. The questionnaire comprised 24 questions divided into two parts. In the first part, the participants provided their demographic data, purchase power, possession of bicycle, private vehicle and driving licence. In the second part, participants stated their choice to change transport mode for utilitarian or recreational trips comparing the years 2008 (before the crisis) and 2012 (crisis in process). They also answered questions about road safety and personal safety issues when they walk or bike during the day and night time in the city of Volos. The analysis supports that citizens have changed their transportation habits during the years of economic crisis in Greece in favor of sustainable transport modes. Due to the increased unemployment and the decreased personal income, commuters preferred the use of public transportation, bicycle or walk instead of private vehicles. Thus, the crisis has a positive impact towards sustainable mobility by changing the way commuters travel in urban areas favoring more economic, environmental friendly and socially alternative transport modes.