Comparing travel behavior and opportunities to increase transportation sustainability in small cities, towns, and rural communities

The vast majority of travel behavior and sustainable transportation
research has focused on urban areas. A rural perspective is lacking. In
this study, we aim to dive deeper into understanding how people travel and
their perceptions and opinions about various components of travel in a
majority rural state. By speaking directly with Vermonters through
in-person interviews, we obtain uniquely personal points of view and
analyze them for commonalities and differences between urban, suburban,
and rural Vermonters. We ask questions on day-to-day challenges of
traveling, suggestions for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions,
responses to fuel prices, and opinions on electric vehicles. Some of our
key findings include that rural areas struggle most with traveling long
distances to reach services, urban areas are more concerned with traffic,
and opinions on electric vehicle (EV) ownership are consistent across the
state, with people being likely to consider owning an EV if costs were to
decrease. Our interviews identify additional questions that should be
evaluated further to help states develop practical and effective policies
aimed at reducing GHG emissions in rural areas. We also recommend further
in-depth survey research to provide a more complete picture of the
potential to shift travel behavior, particularly in rural areas. This
research adds to the body of knowledge in a historically understudied
population, enabling the research community to better understand and work
more closely with small and rural communities to address climate change
and achieve deeper GHG emission reductions.