Changing Car Culture: A Case Study at Binghamton University

Binghamton University has a parking problem fostered by the car culture of today. A change in car culture through the shift from single occupancy driving towards higher occupancy transit was identified as a possible solution. An online survey was used to acquire students\u27 opinions and thoughts on the issue. Its 824 responses highlighted variables that were grouped into five overarching themes: Convenience, Quality of Transportation System, Satisfaction with Parking, Comfort with Carpooling, and Perceived Benefits and Drawbacks, which were analyzed under different qualitative and quantitative methods to test for their effect on car culture. Qualitative analysis was conducted using R and SPSS to run Chi-square tests and linear regression models, whilst qualitative analysis was conducted using NVivo to run coding and word frequency queries. These results showed trends in student behavioral intentions, providing the understanding needed to promote initiatives to instigate car culture change and potentially reduce the parking problem

Changing Car Culture Towards Carpooling: A Case Study in Binghamton University (Part I: Analysis and Measurement of Potential)

Binghamton University has a parking problem fostered by the car culture adopted by students, which makes cars symbols of independence and status. To alleviate this problem, a carpooling system is identified in this paper as a possible alternative means of transportation. I argue that by analysis and estimation of the potential of carpooling at Binghamton University, the likelihood of success of a system to change car culture from one based on single-occupancy driving to one based on carpooling can be measured. An online survey was sent to undergraduate commuter students to acquire students’ opinions and thoughts. Its 825 responses showed these results: that 80 percent never drive to school for reasons of convenience, accessibility, availability and riding experience; that 68 percent are dissatisfied with parking, while 1 percent report high satisfaction; that carpooling activity is currently low but has high student interest and potential; that 50 percent are comfortable with carpooling, 30 percent are neutral and 20 percent are uncomfortable; and that previous carpooling incentives have been unsuccessful for reasons of non-inventiveness, non-inclusiveness and time consumption. These results show trends in student behavior, student opinions, and student wants and needs, providing the detailed understanding needed to create a successful and effective carpooling system