Public Support for Transport Reform: Does it Matter if we ‘Reduce Driving’ or ‘Shift Trips’?

Abstract

Does what the public says they want in terms of transport policy depend on how we ask? In other words, are transportation policy preferences subject to framing effects? We surveyed 600 adults in the United States and asked them two questions about the goals of transportation. We find large framing effects (~34 percentage points) that were remarkably consistent across population groups. Framing effects could spell the difference between defeat and victory in a referendum; “shifting trips” garners 63% public support, while “reduce driving” earns just 34%. Advocates should keep framing in mind when proposing ideas.