Cycling constitutes a clean, healthy, and low-cost mode of transport. Therefore, the promotion of cycling is currently one of the main goals of administrations around the word. Former studies have shown that safety perception plays a fundamental role in the acceptance of bikes as a habitual mode of transport. In this context, this research aims to determine which variables and actions can give rise to this feeling of safety and, therefore, collaborate in the modal shift towards a more sustainable mobility. For this purpose, different strategies have been developed in two different contexts, Helsinki and Barcelona, using two different methodologies, namely expert interviews and analysis of survey data. Particularly, the methodology of analysis used includes descriptive statistics and path analysis. Results point out that safety perception highly depends on trip purpose, as significant differences are observed for daily users compared to those who cycle for sport reasons. Demographic characteristics (age, gender, etc.) and use patterns are also associated with different perceptions of safety and different behaviors. However, for any cyclist, the quality of the available infrastructure significantly influences his/her safety perception. Thus, the provision of good quality and well-structured cycling infrastructure is the most important initiative to promote cycling.

Concerning the increase in the number of trips and tourists after the COVID-19 pandemic, TSPs (Transport Service Providers) and transport organizations are trying to improve their operability to answer the needs and expectations of passengers. This paper presents a methodology to assess and evaluate to what extent innovative technologies meet the needs of tourists and TSPs involved in the digital ecosystem for door-to-door trips in Europe, making railways and public transport more attractive and consequently encouraging people to use more intermodal solutions in public transport. In this study, two kinds of quantitative data are used: operational KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and USI (User Satisfaction Index) surveys. The Effectiveness concept, as a metric of the capacity to meet these needs and expectations by the innovative technology, is calculated by merging both types of quantitative data. The method considers tourists’ socio-demographic profiles, allowing comparisons among TSPs and profiles for a specific technology, and it is extended to figure out correlations among variables through regression and Bayesian Networks analysis. In addition, specific socio-demographic data relevant to the needs and expectations were studied through the ANOVA test. This work belongs to the methodological framework of the IP4MaaS (Innovation Program 4 Mobility as a Service) project, which sets six demo sites on which this assessment method will be applied in a further stage. The concept of Effectiveness is applied in all the above-mentioned demo sites for the final assessment. Some IT innovations such as Location-Based Experience and Journey Planning have shown high Effectiveness. This work could be interesting for TSPs and IT (Information Technology) developers, researchers, policymakers, and organizations in the transport sector.

Influence of shared and innovative mobility on psychological wellbeing

Considering the significant growth rate of populations in urban areas, public transport has become vital to urban living. Promoting the culture of Mobility as a Service (MaaS) among travelers has become unavoidable to address climatic challenges, particularly the global warming phenomenon. To encourage the use of public transport, it is important to introduce innovative IT solutions to the ecosystem of TSPs (Transport Service Providers) backed by an in-depth analysis to meet the expectations and the needs of the TSPs and the travelers. Building on the work from a previous paper, which introduced an assessment methodology based on the calculation of the effectiveness of IT solutions to meet traveler’s needs and expectations, this paper presents the results of an intersectional assessment by applying this methodology with data collected in six demo sites (Athens, Barcelona, Liberec, Osijek, Padua, and Warsaw). This paper will help to understand better this quantitative assessment methodology, and especially help IT developers and TSPs understand better how to apply it to their IT solutions. Results of this assessment show which of these IT solutions (functionalities) are worth investment, considering the satisfaction level of both TSPs and travelers. This assessment methodology is scalable to other demo sites and datasets in further developments.