A latent class approach to explore shared mobility among older people in Midsized Dutch inner cities

Abstract

Car dominance in urban landscapes poses environmental, health, and congestion challenges. This comprehensive study examines the potential of shared mobility in car-free areas. Specifically, it investigates the mobility behaviour of inner-city older adult residents (50 + ), traditionally heavy car users through a case study of small-medium-sized Dutch cities and a stated preference experiment. This study applies a Latent Class model to analyse the heterogeneity in passengers’ preferences, identifying four distinct groups: Price Sensitive & Private Car Enthusiasts, Time-Conscious Travellers, Pro-Cycling & Conventional travellers, and Micromobility Enthusiasts. The model predicts class membership based on travel behaviour data from the stated choice experiment and examines the role of key factors such as travel cost, travel time, and walking distance in shaping mode choices across five transport options: bike, e-bike, e-scooter, e-Brommobiel, and e-car. The findings reveal that a significant portion of travellers recognise the value of shared mobility options in reducing private car dependency, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to address barriers and enhance accessibility to promote shared mobility adoption. Based on these distinct passenger segments, the study proposes specific policy measures that not only enhance transport planning but also address existing challenges and user concerns in sustainable urban mobility.