A Cluster Analysis of University Commuters: Attitudes, Personal Norms and Constraints, and Travel Satisfaction

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Apr 26;18(9):4592. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18094592.

Abstract

Higher education institutions are recognised as settings where the community's awareness of sustainable mobility can be strengthened or reshaped. The first objective of the present study was to identify groups of commuters based on their modal choice in a large higher education institution in Italy. The second objective was to compare the groups on socio-demographic and psychosocial variables, specifically attitudes, personal norms, personal constraints, and travel satisfaction. The cluster analysis revealed five different types of commuters: car-oriented, two-wheeled urban users, pedestrians, long-distance commuters, and regular bus users. Attitudes, personal constraints and norms, and satisfaction differed in the five groups of commuters. The present study provides insights for behavioural change programmes and organizational policies on sustainable mobility.

Keywords: cluster analysis; commuting; psychosocial factors; sustainable mobility; travel satisfaction.

MeSH terms

  • Attitude
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Personal Satisfaction*
  • Transportation
  • Travel
  • Universities*