Browsing by Subject "sustainable transport"

Travel behavior change is crucial for sustainable energy transition in urban environments. Among various strategies, Light Rail Transit (LRT) is gaining popularity as a potent facilitator of modal shift. However, its effectiveness is not consistently superior to its alternative, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). LRT is less cost-effective than BRT while it is more environmentally friendly, which maintains BRT as a feasible and popular means of sustainable transport. While no consensus has been reached, Helsinki, Finland, replaced an existing BRT with its first LRT, raising questions about the sustainability consequences of this change. This paper investigates the first effects of Helsinki’s LRT on travel behavior and its potential benefits over BRT, capturing the duration in which both modes were operational (October to December 2023). Addressing this area's lack of qualitative research, 20 semi-structured interviews are analyzed alongside supplementary quantitative data. The theory of social practice is employed as the theoretical framework, enabling an in-depth understanding of everyday traveling practices. This study aims to answer two questions: 1) What do residents using LRT consider to be the most important factors influencing travel behavior change and why? 2) What potential benefits might LRT exhibit compared to buses? The results show that service attributes such as convenience, frequency, and reliability play a crucial role in the modal choice of Helsinki residents participating in this study, while door-to-door travel time is the most significant factor. It also indicates that they have a more positive attitude toward LRT than BRT at the time of the study. The probable benefits of LRT—speed, reliability, and comfort—are identified as the root factors for LRT's better attractiveness than BRT. From the perspective of social practices, the elements of the practices of LRT, BRT, and cars are identified, and the relationships among them are systematically presented. Marking the initial impacts of LRT on travel behavior from the novel case of Helsinki, the findings offer valuable insights for future research.