The influences of an individual’s social network on the choice of travelling by Public Transport

Abstract

This study concentrates on the role of social networks – through attitudes- on the decision to (not) use public transportation. An integrative theoretical framework is presented from which hypothesis are derived, concentrating on social and psychological processes. Social networks are indicated by social capital and the strength of ties. Attitudes are indicated through using the theory of planned behaviour. The hypotheses are tested by a dataset collected in the United Kingdom. They key findings indicate - after controlling for various control variables - that in order to stimulate an individual to travel by public transport, strong ties have a great direct and indirect influence through attitudes. Furthermore, the choice of transport are proven by the analyses to be influenced by attitudes, which are defined by the mindset towards public transport, and looking up local bus information. Policies, which aim to influence public transport usage through soft policies, should respond to changing mindsets about public transport by reducing the gap between reality and perceptions of a person in case of public transport.