title: Transport priorities, risk perception and worry associated with mode use and preferences among Norwegian commuters.
abstract: There is currently scant research on the role of transport priorities, risk perception and worry for travel mode use and preferences. The present study aims to examine these factors in relation to mode use and preferences among Norwegian commuters. A web-based survey was conducted in a randomly obtained representative sample of daily commuters in the extended greater Oslo area (n=690). The results showed that those who prioritized efficiency and flexibility tended to commute by car, while those who prioritized safety and comfort used public (e.g. metro, tram, and train) or active (e.g. walking and cycling) transport. In a free choice scenario, the respondents who prioritized flexibility reported a preference for using a car, whereas those who prioritized safety and comfort preferred public and active transport for their commuter travels. Risk perception of high impact events, such as terrorism and major accidents, as well as risk perception related to personal impact risks (theft, violence etc.) were related to car use on commuter travels. Transport-related worry exerted weak influences on mode use and preferences. Increased speed on rail transport and more frequent departures may be effective in reducing car use on commuter travels. Risk communication should focus on highlighting the low risk of experiencing security and safety issues in the public transport sector, and this message should be complemented by efforts to reduce the probability of negative events affecting public transport.
authors.affiliation: NTNU Samfunnsforskning, Studio Apertura, Dragvoll Allé 38 B, 7491 Trondheim, Norway. Electronic address: tn@sirus.no.
authors.forename: Trond
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Nordfjærn
authors.affiliation: Izmir University of Economics, Department of Psychology, Sakarya Caddesi, NO: 156, Balcova, 35330 Izmir, Turkey.
authors.forename: Özlem
authors.initials: Ö
authors.lastname: Simşekoğlu
authors.affiliation: Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Department of Psychology, Dragvoll, 7491 Trondheim, Norway.
authors.forename: Hans Brende
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Lind
authors.affiliation: NTNU Samfunnsforskning, Studio Apertura, Dragvoll Allé 38 B, 7491 Trondheim, Norway; Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Department of Geography, Dragvoll, 7491 Trondheim, Norway.
authors.forename: Stig Halvard
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Jørgensen
authors.affiliation: NTNU Samfunnsforskning, Studio Apertura, Dragvoll Allé 38 B, 7491 Trondheim, Norway; Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Department of Psychology, Dragvoll, 7491 Trondheim, Norway.
authors.forename: Torbjørn
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rundmo
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety; D001290:Attitude; D001336:Automobiles; D001642:Bicycling; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018986:Motor Vehicles; D009664:Norway; D010465:Perception; D011890:Railroads; D012306:Risk; D012449:Safety; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014186:Transportation; D016138:Walking; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Active transport; Car use; Commuting; Public transport; Safety; Security