The wicked problem of travel time use and the effects of ICTs

Lyons, Glenn

Abstract

Travel time matters. It is part of many people’s everyday lives. Saving of travel time and the value attributed to it remain a principal justification for investment in the transport system which in turn shapes that system, its use and in turn influences people’s everyday lives. Travel time has been the subject of increasing attention in the digital age with a growing realization that how people are using their travel time could have implications for their travel choices and wider behavior as well as for how worthwhile travel time is and for the values of travel time savings that apply in transport appraisal. This chapter offers insights into the treatment of travel time in transport appraisal over time. It explores a number of considerations regarding travel time use in a world that is increasingly connected, with potential flexibility in how, where and when activities are undertaken. The proposition that travel time use and how it is valued is a wicked problem is addressed with the conclusion that greater inter-disciplinary collaboration is called for in further examining this important topic.

• Acceptance Date: Apr 26, 2019
• Deposit Date: May 9, 2019
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 3
• Series Title: Advances in Transport Policy and Planning
• Book Title: The Evolving Impact of ICT on Activities and Travel Behaviour
• Keywords: travel time, travel time use, value of travel time, VTTS, wicked problem
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/848038
• Publisher URL: https://www.elsevier.com/books/book-series/advances-in-transport-policy-and-planning
• Contract Date: May 9, 2019