Developing public transport messaging to provide crowding information during COVID-19: Application of the COM-B model and behaviour change wheel. (March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Krusche, Adele; Wilde, Laura; Ghio, Daniela; Morrissey, Cora; Froom, Alex; Chick, Daniel
• Is Part Of: Transportation research interdisciplinary perspectives. Volume 13(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-03
• Subjects: Behaviour change -- COVID-19 -- Crowding information -- Intervention development public health messages -- Public transport; Transportation -- Periodicals; 388.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.trip.2022.100564
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2590-1982

Abstract

Highlights: The COVID-19 crisis meant huge, sustained rises in anxiety using public transport. Accurate real-time information can support and motivate travellers. Transport messaging needs to be explored as an intervention to alleviate anxiety and increase usage. Behaviour Change Techniques were utilised to evaluate existing messaging to improve and clarify development. Abstract: The COVID-19 outbreak meant that using public transport was potentially unsafe for risk of catching and transmitting the virus. UK anxiety is high with lockdowns preventing a normal way of life for over a year. A lack of ability to travel freely causes numerous declines in quality of life including social isolation and poor physical and mental health. People need crowding information to choose safer travel options and subdue coronavirus. To provide effective guidance, it is essential to empirically formulate messaging to create clarity and trust which can be acted upon in confidence. Behaviour Change Techniques incorporating the Behaviour Change Wheel and COM-B model have been utilised in vast areas of public health intervention development and messaging. There is consensus that public transport information needs to be clearer and more accessible but BCTs have not been utilised in the development of public transport advice. This paper outlines the development of crowding messaging for public transport on a platform available to UK travellers. Barriers and facilitators were explored; related behaviours, intervention functions and behaviour change techniques were mapped. Specific message phrasing was developed utilising the mapped functions and advice from the literature. With the COVID-19 outbreak, having accessible and effective messaging for safely using public transport is a continuation of the work recently conducted examining the best ways to present public health information. It is important to be transparent when developing messaging and interventions accessible to the public and this work forms a basis for continued exploration and development in this area.