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Are New Campus Mobility Trends Causing Health Concerns?

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  • Zeenat Kotval-K

    (School of Planning, Design & Construction, Michigan State University, 552 W. Circle Dr., East Lansing, MI 48840, USA)

  • Shruti Khandelwal

    (School of Planning, Design & Construction, Michigan State University, 552 W. Circle Dr., East Lansing, MI 48840, USA)

  • Eva Kassens-Noor

    (School of Planning, Design & Construction, Michigan State University, 552 W. Circle Dr., East Lansing, MI 48840, USA)

  • Tongbin Teresa Qu

    (School of Planning, Design & Construction, Michigan State University, 552 W. Circle Dr., East Lansing, MI 48840, USA)

  • Mark Wilson

    (School of Planning, Design & Construction, Michigan State University, 552 W. Circle Dr., East Lansing, MI 48840, USA)

Abstract

An influx of new mobility trends such as fare-free bus transportation, ride hail, and e-scooter services to improve access and affordability of transportation on campus may be shifting the travel behavior of campus patrons such that it affects their long-term health outcomes. The main research questions explored in this study are as follows: (1) why university patrons choose new modes of travel?; (2) what existing mode did the new modes of travel replace for the riders?; and (3) is the average body mass index (BMI) of users primarily using non-motorized transit options lower than those using motorized or both (referred to as hybrid) for on-campus travel needs? An online survey was administered to a campus community (n = 3309) including students (48%), faculty (15%), and staff (37%) in fall of 2018 when fare-free bus transportation and e-scooters became available on campus, and a gradual increase in ridership of ride-hail services was simultaneously observed. This study found that campus patrons were more inclined to replace active modes of travel with affordable and accessible modes of transportation, thereby substituting their walking or biking routine with app-based transportation services. The mean BMI among travelers who chose motorized transportation modes was more than active travelers, and the BMI was statistically significantly associated with age, gender, race, class standing (undergraduate/graduate), and residence on/off campus. This study concludes with suggestions to prevent substitution of active with non-active transport choices and provides policy guidelines to increase awareness on achieving physical activity levels through active modes of travel for university patrons.

Suggested Citation

  • Zeenat Kotval-K & Shruti Khandelwal & Eva Kassens-Noor & Tongbin Teresa Qu & Mark Wilson, 2024. "Are New Campus Mobility Trends Causing Health Concerns?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-13, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:6:p:2249-:d:1353204
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. repec:cdl:itsdav:qt82w2z91j is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Alejandro Tirachini, 2020. "Ride-hailing, travel behaviour and sustainable mobility: an international review," Transportation, Springer, vol. 47(4), pages 2011-2047, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Nataša Kovačić & Hrvoje Grofelnik, 2025. "Predictors of Sustainable Student Mobility in a Suburban Setting," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-23, July.

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