Switching from Private Cars to Active Travel for Routine Journeys: A Method to Evaluate Changes in Financial Wellbeing

Abstract

We propose a method to evaluate the costs and benefits of active travel relative to other forms of travel for routine journeys such as commuting to work and travelling to school. Costs and benefits are expressed both in monetary value and in the imputed labour hours that reflect financial gains or losses resulting from a change in transport mode. Our method can be adapted to the circumstances of any individual to help them make informed decisions leading to better financial outcomes. Alternatively, it can be applied to archetypal citizens to evaluate and communicate the personal financial implications of transport choices.

Keywords: Active Travel, Financial Wellbeing, Household Finance, Imputed Labour, Public Health, Transport Planning

JEL Classification: D11, D13, D14, D61, D91, G02, I12, I14, I18, I31