Dimensions of Accessibility Benefits
Source: Transportation Research and Education Center
The conceptual model proposed in this paper seeks to contribute to this research gap with our view on the potential paths linking transport projects and accessibility with the multidimensional SWB construct. These links include the “instrumental” utilities of accessibility, in addition to utilities related to the participation and interaction necessary for basic daily activities such as work, education and social connections that bring a sense of freedom, autonomy and competence, which are enablers of psychological well-being.
Recent developments in behavioural and transport economics suggest that indicators of travel satisfaction/happiness should be incorporated into travel choice models (Duarte et al., 2010). A further task would be to integrate these well-being impacts into transport appraisal methodologies. We agree that there is justification for utility theories to be complemented with SWB measures in accessibility formulations and in subsequent appraisal methodologies (Bergstad et al., 2011; Ettema et al., 2010; Mokhtarian, 2019; Reardon and Abdallah, 2013), in which accessibility rather than mobility should play a key role (Ferreira, Beukers and te Brommelstroet, 2012).
