Cognitive construction of travel modes among high-mileage car users and non-car users - A Repertory Grid analysis

Human and environmental health are important globally. Reduced car use could improve human health by promoting physical activity and consequent decreases in carbon dioxide emissions would help achieve greenhouse gas emissions targets. The aim of this study was to explore how travellers evaluate seven transport choices. We compared the evaluative spaces of two distinct groups of transport users: predominantly non-car users and above-average mileage car users. The Repertory Grid technique was used to elicit 448 constructs from 15 non-car users and 15 high-mileage car users. Thematic analysis, content analysis, cluster analysis, analysis of means and principal component analysis were used to identify similarities and differences between the construct systems. Results revealed that non-car users and high-mileage car users apply broadly similar constructs to evaluate transport modes. They differ, however, in the structure of their construct systems. Both groups share constructs related to time and route flexibility. Effects on the environment and benefits of physical activity were important for non-car users but not for high-mileage car users. Non-car users view travel modes with greater differentiation, while high-mileage car users use a looser construal of travel modes. We discuss implications for future intervention design and ramifications for policy and practice.