Transport Planning - It’s Not Rocket Science

Abstract

When new transport infrastructure is designed and modelled we look at how it is used collectively, rather than at the individual level. However when we try change the behavior to alternative modes of transport we look at changing the individuals’ behavior. This paper provides a summary of the three tools available to governments to create change to how people travel: regulation/restriction, providing new infrastructure and Voluntary Travel Behavior Change. The paper explores each option and provides an explanation of how social practice theory can provide a new way of understanding the meanings associated with how we travel that ‘lock-in’ travel by car. It is possible to see that a wider interpretation of transport solutions and understanding of the concept of induced demand it is possible to deliver transport solutions that change the norm towards more sustainable modes of travel, reducing the burden on the individual to change in a system that is designed for travel by car.