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Applying Thematic Analysis to Understand Behaviour in Walking School Bus Programs: A Pilot Study in the City of Ferrara

Author

Listed:
  • Giuseppe Rocco

    (Università degli studi di Ferrara)

  • Ludovica Loiacono

    (Università degli studi di Ferrara)

  • Susanna Mancinelli

    (Università degli studi di Ferrara)

  • Massimiliano Mazzanti

    (Università degli studi di Ferrara)

  • Maddalena Nonato

    (Università degli studi di Ferrara)

  • Emilio Paolo Visintin

    (Università degli studi di Ferrara)

Abstract

This study applies insights from behavioural economics to examine the challenges surrounding the adoption of the Walking School Bus (WSB), a sustainable school transportation initiative. Using thematic analysis of interviews with schoolteachers in Ferrara, Italy, we identify three key themes influencing participation: Service Characteristics, Family Determinants, and School Context. Our analysis reveals that behavioural mechanisms—such as status quo bias and the collective action problem related to volunteer recruitment—pose significant barriers to adoption, even in the face of broad recognition of the program’s benefits. The findings suggest that addressing these behavioural obstacles requires targeted interventions aimed at mitigating cognitive biases and improving decision-making processes that currently hinder participation. This research offers empirical evidence that successful implementation depends on a nuanced understanding of the interaction between practical design features and deep-seated psychological barriers that shape family mobility choices. These insights contribute to behavioural theory and offer practical guidance for promoting sustainable transport behaviours in urban settings.

Suggested Citation

  • Giuseppe Rocco & Ludovica Loiacono & Susanna Mancinelli & Massimiliano Mazzanti & Maddalena Nonato & Emilio Paolo Visintin, 2025. "Applying Thematic Analysis to Understand Behaviour in Walking School Bus Programs: A Pilot Study in the City of Ferrara," SEEDS Working Papers 1025, SEEDS, Sustainability Environmental Economics and Dynamics Studies, revised Oct 2025.
    • Handle: RePEc:srt:wpaper:1025
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Pedro Bordalo & Nicola Gennaioli & Andrei Shleifer, 2012. "Salience Theory of Choice Under Risk," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 127(3), pages 1243-1285.
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    4. Elinor Ostrom, 2000. "Collective Action and the Evolution of Social Norms," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 14(3), pages 137-158, Summer.
    5. Tresoldi, Emanuele & Malucelli, Federico & Nonato, Maddalena, 2021. "A personalized walking bus service requiring optimized route decisions: A real case," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 289(3), pages 855-866.
    6. Collins, Damian C. A. & Kearns, Robin A., 2005. "Geographies of inequality: Child pedestrian injury and walking school buses in Auckland, New Zealand," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 60(1), pages 61-69, January.
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