An evaluation of TravelSmart tools for travel behaviour change

Between 2005 and 2006, a TravelSmart project was introduced in targeted suburbs within metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia. A component of the project was to provide participants with tools to assist them to change their travel behaviour. The tools included information on ways to cut down car driving in general, and information relating to alternative, more environmentally friendly travel modes. An extensive perception study was conducted to measure if some tools were more effective in bringing about travel behaviour change. More than 1,000 TravelSmart participants were involved. The survey was conducted by telephone and a stratified sampling method was implemented to evaluate four tools: Journey Plan, Walking and Cycling Map, Affirmation Letter, and Local Activity Guide. The Cycling and Walking Map appeared to be the most effective tool, and encouraged people to walk more. The other three tools, Journey Plan, Affirmation Letter and Local Activity Guide, together appeared less effective in changing travel behaviour. In addition, the most useful feature participants cited in the survey was providing them with information about driving alternatives and locations of nearby facilities