Sustainability

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31 pages, 3781 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Sustainable Mobility Through Gamified Challenges: Evidence from a School-Based Intervention

by Martina Vacondio, Federica Gini, Simone Bassanelli and Annapaola Marconi

Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6586; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146586 - 18 Jul 2025

Viewed by 169

Promoting behavioral change in mobility is essential for sustainable urban development. This study evaluates the effectiveness of gamified challenges in fostering sustainable travel behaviors among high school students and teachers within the High School Challenge (HSC) 2024 campaign in Lecco, Italy. Over a [...] Read more.

Promoting behavioral change in mobility is essential for sustainable urban development. This study evaluates the effectiveness of gamified challenges in fostering sustainable travel behaviors among high school students and teachers within the High School Challenge (HSC) 2024 campaign in Lecco, Italy. Over a 13-week period, participants tracked their commuting habits via gamified mobile application, Play&Go, that awarded points for sustainable mobility choices and introduced weekly challenges. Using behavioral (GPS-based tracking) and self-report data, we assessed the influence of challenge types, player characteristics (HEXAD Player Types, Big Five traits), and user experience evaluations on participation, retention, and behavior change. The results show that challenges, particularly those based on walking distances and framed as intra-team goals, significantly enhanced user engagement and contributed to improved mobility behaviors during participants’ free time. Compared to the 2023 edition without challenges, the 2024 campaign achieved better retention. HEXAD Player Types were more predictive of user appreciation than Personality Traits, though these effects were more evident in subjective evaluations than actual behavior. Overall, findings highlight the importance of tailoring gamified interventions to users’ motivational profiles and structuring challenges around SMART principles. This study contributes to the design of behaviorally informed, scalable solutions for sustainable mobility transitions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transportation and Sustainable Mobility; Users’ Transitions for a Greener Future)

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24 pages, 981 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Variables in the UTAUT 2 Model on the Intention to Use a Fully Electric Car

by Murat Selim Selvi and Şermin Önem

Sustainability 2025, 17(7), 3214; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17073214 - 4 Apr 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2015

Abstract

This study aims to determine the effects of the variables within the UTAUT 2 model on the intention to use a Fully Electric Car. In this context, data were collected through survey forms from 401 white-collar workers who are considered to have a [...] Read more.

This study aims to determine the effects of the variables within the UTAUT 2 model on the intention to use a Fully Electric Car. In this context, data were collected through survey forms from 401 white-collar workers who are considered to have a higher economic status. Initially, validity and reliability analyses were conducted on the scales used in the Smart PLS program, and subsequently, the hypotheses were interpreted using the results obtained from structural equation modeling. In this study, it was found that effort expectancy, social influence, perceived ease of use, hedonic motivation, and habit had a positive and significant impact on the intention to use electric vehicles. Performance expectancy has a negative and significant effect on the intention to use electric cars, while price has no significant effect. It was determined that the intention to use electric vehicles was found to mediate the relationship between perceived ease of use and actual usage behavior. This research can offer significant contributions to literature, particularly by examining the influence of habit on behavioral intention and the effect of hedonic motivation on electric vehicle usage intention. By testing the UTAUT 2 model in the context of electric vehicle acceptance, this study supports the universality and applicability of the model to various technologies. Emphasizing the role of variables such as hedonic motivation and habit in electric vehicle acceptance adds a new dimension to the UTAUT 2 model. Thus, it makes an important contribution to technology acceptance research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transportation and Sustainable Mobility; Users’ Transitions for a Greener Future)

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20 pages, 1990 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Cyclists’ Accessibility into Railway Stations Through a User-Centered Indicator

by Annalisa Zoli, Margherita Pazzini, Valeria Vignali, Hocine Imine, Andrea Simone and Claudio Lantieri

Sustainability 2025, 17(2), 504; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17020504 - 10 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1070

Abstract

Nowadays, there is a growing interest in integrated sustainable transportation. Bike–train intermodality is one of the sustainable modes of transport, combining long-distance service and reaching the last mile. However, bike–train intermodality development both presents challenges for transport service providers and has its drawbacks [...] Read more.

Nowadays, there is a growing interest in integrated sustainable transportation. Bike–train intermodality is one of the sustainable modes of transport, combining long-distance service and reaching the last mile. However, bike–train intermodality development both presents challenges for transport service providers and has its drawbacks for users who prefer connections that do not require changing between transport modes. The challenge consists of providing a better transition during changes between transport modes. This can be accomplished through understanding the needs of travelers followed by the implementation of infrastructural changes and the expansion of targeted services that increase the accessibility of the nodal points. Cost-effectiveness analysis, cost–benefit analysis, and a multicriteria decision process are some of the methods that can be used to allocate resources that could improve bike–train intermodality. This research extended the concept of resource allocation to a new multilevel weighted indicator (AxI) that measured the level of accessibility of bikes into railway stations to identify the criticalities and define the priority of interventions. The proposed method was applied in thirty-three Italian railway stations of different sizes. The results showed that the proposed indicator was a valid tool for railway station infrastructure managers and all stakeholders involved for prioritizing interventions related to the advancement of bike–train intermodality. The AxI indicator is a lean methodology to identify the exigencies and communicate them to the parties involved in the management and actualization. The AxI lays the groundwork for a straightforward discussion on resource distribution priorities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transportation and Sustainable Mobility; Users’ Transitions for a Greener Future)

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34 pages, 925 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Abandoning the Car to Embrace the Bicycle in Urban France: A Model of Modal Shift for Daily Commuting Routines

by Marion Gras Gentiletti, Béatrice Cahour and Stéphane Safin

Sustainability 2025, 17(2), 448; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17020448 - 9 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1708

Abstract

The current climate context is prompting a reconsideration of transportation modes, with the bicycle offering significant benefits, including reduced emissions, noise pollution, and urban congestion and improved public health. Despite policies encouraging cycling, many urban French citizens struggle to adopt it. Rather than [...] Read more.

The current climate context is prompting a reconsideration of transportation modes, with the bicycle offering significant benefits, including reduced emissions, noise pollution, and urban congestion and improved public health. Despite policies encouraging cycling, many urban French citizens struggle to adopt it. Rather than focusing on barriers, this study examines individuals who have reduced or abandoned car use in favor of cycling in urban areas. The study describes the modal shift process of 20 individuals from four cities in France, with diverse socio-economic backgrounds and ages. Through semi-structured, biographical interviews, key stages in the transition are identified: predispositions, triggering factors, exploration and trial, and long-term appropriation. The article also explores situations where cyclists revert to car use for specific trips. Findings reveal favorable conditions for cycling but also highlight challenges, offering insights that could influence urban planning policies in France. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transportation and Sustainable Mobility; Users’ Transitions for a Greener Future)

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23 pages, 4440 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bicycle Simulator Use to Evaluate Safety Risks and Perceptions for Enhanced Sustainable Urban Mobility

by Lama Ayad, Hocine Imine, Francesca De Crescenzio and Claudio Lantieri

Sustainability 2024, 16(22), 9786; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16229786 - 9 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1904

Abstract

(1) Background: As cycling gains popularity as a mode of transportation, the frequency of accidents involving cyclists also rises. This has become a major concern for traffic safety, sustainability, and city planning. Identifying the risk factors that contribute to bicycle road accidents remains [...] Read more.

(1) Background: As cycling gains popularity as a mode of transportation, the frequency of accidents involving cyclists also rises. This has become a major concern for traffic safety, sustainability, and city planning. Identifying the risk factors that contribute to bicycle road accidents remains a significant challenge. This study aims to figure out which risk factors make some road segments more dangerous for cyclists than others. (2) Methods: This study introduces the use of a bicycle simulator to test different road segments involving thirty-nine participants. The impact of demographics and some risk factors related to infrastructure were analyzed in terms of their influence on the perceived level of risk through pre- and post-surveys. (3) Results: The findings showed that the bicycle facility type affects the perceived level of risk. Shared-use roads were ranked as riskiest, while separated bike lanes were least risky. Bicycle roads with no separated safety barriers had higher risks. Heavy traffic jams increased danger among cyclists. Women gave higher risk ratings than men. The perceived levels of risk were then compared with the previously developed risk index and they correlated well. (4) Conclusions: This confirms that the risk index can reliably evaluate the degree of risk of each road segment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transportation and Sustainable Mobility; Users’ Transitions for a Greener Future)

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31 pages, 2765 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating the Multifaceted Impact of Urban Environment on Winter Green Travel in Cold Regions: An Empirical Study of Shenyang, China

by Yu Du, Xinyao Wang, Chenxi Dou, Yongjian Wu and Jiayi Li

Sustainability 2024, 16(21), 9264; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16219264 - 25 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1391

Abstract

Green travel offers significant benefits, including reducing pollution and alleviating traffic congestion. Despite these advantages, green travel is less popular in cold regions, particularly during winter, due to comfort, convenience, and safety concerns. While climate factors are immutable, enhancing the urban environment can [...] Read more.

Green travel offers significant benefits, including reducing pollution and alleviating traffic congestion. Despite these advantages, green travel is less popular in cold regions, particularly during winter, due to comfort, convenience, and safety concerns. While climate factors are immutable, enhancing the urban environment can promote winter green travel. This paper examines the impact of urban environments on residents’ willingness to engage in green travel in cities located in cold regions during winter. Using data from Shenyang, China, a comprehensive structural equation model based on the stimulus–organism–response (S-O-R) theory was constructed, revealing the causal relationships and underlying structure between environmental factors and green travel willingness. The model demonstrates that social, built, natural, and travel environments collectively shape residents’ willingness to engage in green travel, with the social environment emerging as the most impactful factor. Additionally, this study identified two crucial mediating variables, travel perception evaluation and attitude towards green travel, which indirectly influence green travel willingness. This study also identifies nine critical factors—often underappreciated in traditional analyses—that should be prioritised in urban planning. These findings advance the understanding of green travel behaviour in winter cities by illustrating the complex interplay between environmental factors and individual attitudes while providing actionable guidance for fostering supportive social environments and strategically enhancing built and travel environments to promote green travel in cold climates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transportation and Sustainable Mobility; Users’ Transitions for a Greener Future)

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23 pages, 2744 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Psychological Factors Influencing the Adoption of Sustainable Public Transit Considering Preference Heterogeneity

by Gyeongjae Lee, Sujae Kim, Jahun Koo and Sangho Choo

Sustainability 2024, 16(18), 7924; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16187924 - 11 Sep 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2173

Abstract

Carbon emission reduction strategies are being implemented in the transportation sector by encouraging the adoption of eco-friendly vehicles and introducing demand management policies such as Mobility as a Service (MaaS). Nevertheless, the efficacy of MaaS in reducing carbon emissions remains uncertain. This study [...] Read more.

Carbon emission reduction strategies are being implemented in the transportation sector by encouraging the adoption of eco-friendly vehicles and introducing demand management policies such as Mobility as a Service (MaaS). Nevertheless, the efficacy of MaaS in reducing carbon emissions remains uncertain. This study introduces Sustainable Public Transit (SPT) as a public transit alternative consisting of only green modes to promote sustainability. We explore the preferences of SPT in a commuting context, incorporating individual preference heterogeneity in a discrete choice model. We systematically identify the relationship between choice behaviors and individual heterogeneity in alternative attributes and psychological factors stemming from socio-demographic characteristics. The integrated choice and latent variable (ICLV) model with a mixed logit form is adopted, and the key findings can be summarized as follows: Preference heterogeneity is observed in the travel cost variable, which can be explained by characteristics such as the presence of a preschooler, household size, and income. CO₂ emissions do not have a statistically significant impact on choices. Furthermore, psychological factors are also explained through socio-demographic characteristics, and it is found that low-carbon knowledge positively influences low-carbon habits. Psychological factors significantly affect choices. Respondents who dislike transfers and prioritize punctuality are less likely to choose SPT, while those who have positive low-carbon attitudes are more likely to do so. Finally, scenario analysis is conducted to forecast mode share based on improvements in SPT alternative attributes and variations in attribute levels. Policy implications are then provided to enhance the acceptability of SPT. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transportation and Sustainable Mobility; Users’ Transitions for a Greener Future)

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17 pages, 896 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Examining Commuters’ Intention to Use App-Based Carpooling: Insights from the Technology Acceptance Model

by Wei Kang, Qun Wang, Long Cheng and Meng Ning

Sustainability 2024, 16(14), 5894; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16145894 - 10 Jul 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3193

Abstract

App-based carpooling is recognized as a solution for sustainable commuting. However, there is currently no widespread acceptance and adoption of app-based carpooling services among urban commuters. The study aims to predict residents’ intention to use app-based carpooling services for commuting trips based on [...] Read more.

App-based carpooling is recognized as a solution for sustainable commuting. However, there is currently no widespread acceptance and adoption of app-based carpooling services among urban commuters. The study aims to predict residents’ intention to use app-based carpooling services for commuting trips based on the extended Technology Acceptance Model, focusing on perceived risk, social influence, and environmental awareness, and further explore whether there are significant gender differences among these influential factors. A questionnaire was created to empirically test the model and a total of 392 valid surveys were collected in Hefei, China. The results confirm that commuter intention was positively affected by perceived usefulness, social influence, and environmental awareness, while it was negatively influenced by perceived risk. Although the effect of perceived ease of use on intention was not significant, it played a role in enhancing commuters’ perceived usefulness of the service. Moreover, gender differences exist regarding the strength of the relationship between environmental awareness and commuter intention. These findings provide practical insights for app-based carpooling providers and transportation departments aiming to promote their services and foster sustainable commuting practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transportation and Sustainable Mobility; Users’ Transitions for a Greener Future)

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