Future Transport Tool Development

One of the core tenets of behavioral economics that my view utilizes is the idea that human decisions are not always perfectly rational but are often influenced by cognitive biases, social norms, and emotional responses . This perspective is vital when considering the public's willingness to embrace novel transport solutions like electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous vehicles (AVs) . For instance, despite the environmental benefits of EVs, consumer acceptance can be hindered by range anxiety (a cognitive bias related to perceived risk) or the initial higher purchase cost, even if long-term savings are substantial . Similarly, the adoption of AVs faces challenges related to trust, safety concerns, and the psychological comfort of relinquishing control to a machine .

My opinion also delves into how economic conditions directly influence public transport usage patterns and consumer preferences]. Behavioral economic theories, such as prospect theory, which describes how individuals make decisions under risk and uncertainty, can explain why people might be hesitant to switch from private vehicles to public transport, even when it is more cost-effective or environmentally friendly . The perceived inconvenience, lack of flexibility, or social stigma associated with public transport can outweigh the economic benefits for some individuals