Long-Distance Travel

Mattioli, Giulio; Adeel, Muhammad

Abstract

Long-distance travel has been a relatively overlooked topic in transportation research and policymaking, despite its disproportionate importance in terms of mileage and environmental impact. In this article, we outline the complexities surrounding the definition and measurement of long-distance travel. These help to explain why our understanding of this travel segment lags behind that of everyday urban travel, and its low salience on the research and policy agenda. We present available data on trends in long-distance travel, indicating a rapid growth which is projected to continue to mid-century. We discuss macro-drivers of growth and determinants of long-distance travel behavior, some of which are unique to this segment. We conclude by arguing that greater consideration of long-distance travel is warranted, not least due to its rapid growth and its policy implications, including its contribution to climate change, and stark social inequalities in long-distance travel demand.

• Online Publication Date: May 17, 2021
• Publication Date: 2021
• Deposit Date: Sep 28, 2022
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Pages: 272-277
• Book Title: International Encyclopedia of Transportation
• ISBN: 9780081026724
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-08-102671-7.10695-5
• Keywords: Air travel, Business travel, Climate change, Holiday travel, International mobility, Leisure, Long-distance commuting, Peak travel, Social inequalities, Sustainable transportation, Tourism, Travel demand management, Travel demand trends, Travel survey methods
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/10013077
• Publisher URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780081026717106955?via%3Dihub
• Related Public URLs: https://www.sciencedirect.com/referencework/9780081026724/international-encyclopedia-of-transportation
• Contract Date: May 17, 2021