For the Price of Freedom – Perceptions of Car Use

Abstract

This interview-based study seeks to gain insight into the varying motivations behind car usage across different societal groups, alongside their attitudes towards travel behavior and transportation options. Its overarching goal is to delve deeper into the factors and constraints that influences individuals’ car use and mode choice. The research methodology involves collecting one-month travel data and considering individual characteristics while selecting a diverse cross-section of the Swedish population. The study is underpinned by the ontological viewpoint of time geography and the concept of “constraints”, forming the foundation for the analysis. The findings suggest that the connection between individuals and their cars represents freedom of mobility but also a dependence to a varying degree between different life stages and level of car orientation. The primary influencing factor for modal choice appears to be individuals’ perceptions of alternative transportation options and their practical viability. The outcome of the study indicates the value of analyzing individual and external constraints of different groups in order to further understand the perception of transportation options