Can Housing and Accessibility Information Influence Residential Location Choice and Travel Behavior? An Experimental Study. (June 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rodriguez, Daniel A; Rogers, Jennifer
• Is Part Of: Environment and planning. Volume 41:Number 3(2014)
• Page Start: 534
• Page End: 550
• Publication Date: 2014-06
• Subjects: transportion—land-use connection -- traveler information -- location choice -- experimental design; Architecture -- Research -- Periodicals; Building -- Research -- Periodicals; Land use -- Planning -- Periodicals; Architecture -- Research; Building -- Research; Land use -- Planning; Periodicals; 720.5
• DOI: 10.1068/b120032p
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0265-8135

Abstract

Although information has been used as a strategy to influence short-term travel behavior, there is a paucity of research on whether information can result in long-term behavioral changes. To examine the impact of providing information on location choices and travel behaviors we used an experimental design with a sample of incoming students at two area universities. Information was administered to individuals in the experimental group before they selected a residential location in the area. With a survey, we collected information on residential locations and travel behaviors from all participants six months after the intervention. Students in the intervention group from one university traveled between 50% and 68% fewer km/day by automobile, located closer to the university, and located in areas with more transit stops than students in the control group. Information appears to be a promising strategy for influencing location decisions and prompting travel behavior change.