To share or not to share, by whom is the question. Acceptability and acceptance of shared transport services by vulnerable groups

De Paepe, Leen; Van Acker, Veronique; Witlox, Frank

doi:10.1080/01441647.2023.2185314

Title

To share or not to share, by whom is the question. Acceptability and acceptance of shared transport services by vulnerable groups

Author

De Paepe, Leen

Van Acker, Veronique

Witlox, Frank

Abstract

It is believed that shared transport services (STSs) can reduce transport poverty and social exclusion. This paper proposes a definition of "social acceptability" and "social acceptance" and examines whether vulnerable groups accept STSs. The notions "acceptability" and "acceptance" were distinguished and four necessary conditions, especially for vulnerable groups, or the 4As were identified: "availability", "accessibility", "affordability", and "attractability". In the context of STSs, "social acceptability" is defined as the degree to which an individual intends to use a STS before experiencing it in everyday travel based on the expected availability, accessibility, affordability, and attractability of the service, while "social acceptance" also incorporates the use of a STS after experiencing it in everyday travel based on a minimum level of perceived availability, accessibility, affordability, and attractability. This paper further reviews the scientific literature in transport research regarding the "acceptability" or "acceptance" of STSs by vulnerable groups. While several studies include socio-economic and demographic variables (e.g. age, gender) to explain the "acceptability" of STSs, only a few studies specifically focus on vulnerable groups. More research on the "social acceptance" of STSs, especially shared scooters, ride-sharing, and apps and Mobility as a Service (MaaS), by vulnerable groups is needed.

Language

English

Source (journal)

Transport reviews. - London, 1981, currens

Publication

London : 2023

ISSN

0144-1647 [print]

1464-5327 [online]

DOI

10.1080/01441647.2023.2185314

Volume/pages