Understanding worthwhile travel time

In our new article, with Veronique Van Acker, Yannick Cornet, Eva Malichova, and Manuel Ojeda-Cabral, we provide empirical insights into what makes travel time worthwhile, based on the theoretical concept of Worthwhile Travel Time (WTT). Using a large dataset of over 38000 validated trips collected across 8 European countries via the Woorti app, we examined how experience factors, travel activities, traveller and trip characteristics shape perceived worthwhileness (i.e., enjoyment, fitness, and productivity) across walking, cycling, public transport, and private motorised travel.

Key findings:
  • Walking and cycling offer higher perceived WTT compared to public or private motorised travel.
  • For walking and cycling, enjoyment plays a larger role than fitness. Activities like accompanying someone or listening to audio (for walkers) and the act of cycling itself or reflective thinking (for cyclists) enhance worthwhileness.
  • For public transport, personal productivity (e.g., browsing, thinking, or talking) is the strongest driver of WTT, followed by enjoyment activities like relaxing or listening to audio.
  • For private motorised travel, WTT is influenced almost equally by productivity (e.g., thinking or driving itself) and enjoyment (e.g., talking or having company).

Policy implications: 

By understanding what makes travel time worthwhile, policymakers can better prioritise investments that enhance the travel experience for all, including for example:

  • Urban designs that facilitate social interactions or sensory experiences along walking and cycling routes to make them more enjoyable.
  • Inclusive design for all abilities, and opportunities for multitasking during commutes.
  • Public transport hubs and vehicles with comfortable seating, adequate lighting, noise reduction measures, and spaces for uninterrupted activities like reading or working.
  • Seamless connections between modes (e.g., walking, cycling, and public transport).
Empirical insights on WTT (open access): Download

Theoretical concept of WTT (open access): Download

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