Validation of “intention cluster 3”

Cluster 3 differs from other clusters by its lowest intention to use TUeTO before testing the app and by the lowest interest for technology. However, it shows a high mean on the intention to use TUeTO in order to change travel behaviour for occasional trips after the test period.

The content analysis concerning the non-intention of using TUeTO highlighted little relevant information to support the quantitative results. On the other side, although some participants were more critical towards the use of technology, they admitted it was part of their everyday life. Regarding the intention to use TUeTO for occasional trips, results were more in line with the cluster analysis since part of the opinions expressed did not contradict the partition.

The non-intention to use TUeTO before the test

Three out of the 11 participants of this group did not share relevant information regarding their non-intention to use TUeTO before the test. All the participants belonging to this cluster expressed an opinion in contradiction with the latent construct TUeTO_intention, related to the intention to use TUeTO under specific conditions.

More precisely, they intend to use the real-time information system to plan their travels better, whether the most frequent or occasional trips:

- part of the participants explained the app could be more useful for their occasional trips rather than the most frequent ones. Luana M. (ex-ante FG 6) would prefer to use it when she has to travel by PT in order to know departure times and stations positions, while Marialuisa R. (ex-ante FG 1) could use it when she did not know how to reach a destination. Floriana D. (ex-ante FG 15), said that she would use TUeTO for occasional trips instead of most her frequent trip since she did the most frequent one “automatically” and almost always following the same route. Finally, Anna H. (ex-ante FG 13) would use it to find new alternatives to her occasional trips;

- Wanda (ex-ante FG 6) pointed out the app would be more useful in case of unpredictable events, such as accidents or traffic perturbations;

- Paolo (ex-ante FG 5) challenged the usefulness of the device on the long term and thinks that it was not useful anymore once the travel behaviour had changed. He imagined the app as a planning tool and not a tool supporting daily routine;

- Anna H. (ex-ante FG 13) wondered if the app could help her to consider new travel alternatives;

- other participants supported the idea that the app was useful in planning the most frequent trips. Andrea B. (ex-ante FG 16) thought he would use the app for his most frequent trip instead of occasional ones since he needed to know departure times in real-time of his train to Turin. When expressing a general opinion, Alessandro S. (ex-ante FG 13) explained the app was designed for everyday trips rather than for occasional trip, since occasional trips were planned at the last minute while frequent trips were pre-planned.

The non-enthusiasm towards technology

Concerning technology, opinions expressed by participants were various and did not specifically reflect a low enthusiasm towards its use. While some participants demonstrated strong negative feelings, most of them did not question so much their use.

Some opinions expressed by participants showed negative attitudes towards the use of technology. Amongst negative opinions about technology, some participants considered it intrusive. They generally used this term to criticise the use of social media, the place they take over time and the danger they represent (Anna I., ex-ante FG 10; and Paolo, ex-ante FG 8). Federica G. (ex-ante FG 8) explained that the technology was intrusive because she had to be connected on her free time to answer to professional e-mails. Andrea B. (ex-ante FG 16), tried to have a minimal use of technology to safeguard his privacy.

People in this cluster generally used technology in their daily life (for work, online payment, during their free time, etc.). Luana M. (ex-ante FG 6) did not think that technology had invaded her life, but rather “simplified” it since it eases people life (i.e. it allows her to “easily book a medical examination using smartphones or computers”). Floriana D. (ex-ante FG 15) uses it to keep in touch with her friends and family.

In contradiction with the results, one participant belonging to this group showed strong enthusiasm for the use of technology. Alessandro S. (ex-ante FG 13) used technology a lot, and, more specifically made an “excessive” use of his smartphone.

The intention to use TUeTO to change travel behaviour for occasional trips after the test period

Two out of the 11 participants did not share opinions after testing the service about the intention to change their travel behaviour. While three participants expressed opinions totally in line with the cluster analysis, other opinions were not specific to the use of TUeTO for occasional trips but did not contradict the cluster analysis.

Among the participants in this cluster, a few of them highlighted their preferential use of the device for occasional trips:

- Paolo (ex-post FG 5) would use the device for occasional trips, since people have already planned most frequent trips and know well how to perform them, while in case of leisure or business trips destinations are unfamiliar;

- Floriana D. (ex-post FG 15) would use the information for occasional trips, because the device made it possible for her to take unusual routes she already knew during her most frequent trip;

- Alessandro S. (ex-post FG 6) would use the device to change travel habits (occasional or most frequent one), however, the app should provide information in accordance with his preferences.

Some opinions were not specific to the issue but did not contradict the cluster analysis. Part of participants pointed out that the information delivered did not help them to optimize their trips. Since they changed work places, Marialuisa R. (ex-post FG 8) and Gianluigi G. (ex-post FG 11) also changed travel habits. However, TUeTO did not help them to plan their new trips since they already choose the best alternatives. In the case of Marialuisa R., the most efficient travel was not automatically proposed by TUeTO, and she had to suggest it to the app. Luna M. (ex-post FG 5) and Anna I. (ex-post FG 8) explained the app did not change their travel habits. Although they tried new alternatives, the app never proposed better travel solutions.

According to Anna H. (ex-post FG 12), although the app could be useful in changing travel behaviours and in encouraging people to be more sustainable, public policies should also make more difficult the use of the car. More precisely, public policies should make the use of cars more “wearisome” for those who use them, since they will always prefer to use the car also if “PT were free”.

Finally, in total contradiction with results of the cluster analysis Federica G. (ex-post FG 5) would use the device for her most frequent trips if data were reliable. Using PT every day, she “needs” to use real-time information during her trips.

At the end, regarding results of the content analysis, the “intention cluster 3” was partially validated.