Modal Choice and Representations of Transport Modes

This chapter presents in a synthetic way the major stages of development of modal choice analysis, moving from the earliest approaches towards the most recent. From the end of the 1960s onwards, a current of thought emerged at the interface of behavioral geography and environmental psychology, based on the analysis of spatial behaviors and especially mobility behaviors. An approach to modal choice that integrates social representations of modes of transport assumes, initially, the implementation of survey protocols that go beyond traditional questionnaires such as the household travel surveys, which are mainly focused on uses and habits. The chapter illustrates some recent developments which use textual analysis to capture opinions about modes of transport and their impact on modal choice through the specific case of leisure mobility. Regarding the question of lifestyles, many indicators show high levels of influence on the modal choice, starting with choices relating to spatial mobility.