Welfare and Mobility - An Identification and Analysis of segments in the population with different travelbehaviour and activityprofiles

Based on distinctive characteristics of mobility, the population may be categorised into five mobility segments: Long-distance travellers, Immobile, Locally mobile, “On-the-move” and Duty-bound mobile. The analysis shows that the transport possibilities (local vicinity and mobility capability factors) largely determine the basis for differences in mobility. The welfare significance associated with transport possibilities is greater for the Locally mobile and Immobile segments in that these require transport facilities specially oriented towards their needs. For Long-Distance travellers, the “On-the-move” and Duty-bound mobile segments, travel is largely a result of their personal preferences. An efficient transport system will nevertheless be able to easy the burden of daily travel for these segments. A qualitative analysis shows that the various segments have different attitudes towards travel. The Long-distance travellers regard travel as part of the investment made in their choice of residential location. Poor health results in travel being a barrier which has to be surmounted by the Locally mobile and Immobile segments. Stress is an important element for the “On-the-move” and Duty-bound segments. Nevertheless, many journeys undertaken by the former segment are associated with a positive expectation of that activity which they are to undertake at the end of the journey. On account of children and work, travel for the Duty-bound mobile segment necessitates the use of loaned time at the expense of other activities.