In recent years, many European cities have been trying to reduce the use of private cars in order to promote more sustainable mobility. In this context, public transport is often presented as the most efficient and environmentally friendly alternative. However, for many people, shifting from cars—whether privately owned or shared—to public transport is not an easy change. The challenges are numerous and involve personal habits, daily organization, and perceptions of service quality.
Loss of Flexibility
One of the main obstacles is the loss of flexibility. A private car allows people to leave whenever they want, choose the fastest route, and change plans at the last minute. Shared mobility services, such as car sharing or ride sharing, still maintain part of this flexibility. Public transport, however, requires users to adapt to fixed schedules and predefined routes. For those who are used to moving independently, this limitation can represent a significant lifestyle change.
Perceived Longer Travel Times
Another critical factor is travel time. Even when public transport is relatively efficient, it often involves waiting times, transfers, and walking between stops. A car, by contrast, allows for a direct door-to-door journey. This difference, especially in less central or less well-served areas, can make public transport less competitive and discourage people from changing their habits.
Comfort and Perceived Service Quality
Comfort also plays an important role in mobility choices. In a private car, people control temperature, music, space, and privacy. On public transport, however, space must be shared with other passengers, and crowding—especially during peak hours—can be common. Delays, overcrowding, and sometimes inadequate cleanliness may contribute to a negative perception of the service.
The Car as a Personal and Communication Space
Beyond its transportation function, the car also represents a personal space for communication and interaction. Inside the car, people talk with family members or colleagues, listen to music or podcasts, make hands-free phone calls, or simply reflect in what is perceived as a private environment. In some cases, the car even becomes a temporary workspace or a place to manage daily activities thanks to smartphones and digital connectivity.
The shift to public transport significantly changes this dimension. On collective transport, space is shared with other passengers and communication must adapt to a public setting. This may reduce the sense of control and privacy that many drivers are used to. At the same time, however, public transport can become a new space for social interaction or digital content consumption, transforming travel time into a different moment of sociality or personal activity.
The Cultural Habit of Car Use
The car is also a cultural symbol of independence and social status. In many societies, owning a car is still seen as a sign of autonomy and economic success. Moving to public transport may therefore be perceived as a loss of freedom or even as a “step backward,” especially for those whose daily routines have long been structured around car use.
The Complexity of Behavioral Change
Finally, changing mobility habits requires an effort of adaptation. People must learn new routes, schedules, ticketing systems, and digital applications. Although this information is often available online, the learning process itself can discourage those who are accustomed to the simplicity and immediacy of using a car.
The Contribution of the Green LaMiS Project
Within this context, the European project Green LaMiS – Greening the Last Mile of Public Home Services Deliveryfocuses on a frequently overlooked aspect of urban mobility: the trips required to provide public home services, such as social assistance, home care, or the delivery of essential goods.
These services require numerous daily trips by social workers and assistants, often carried out using conventional cars and therefore contributing to traffic congestion and emissions. Green LaMiS aims to rethink the organization of the “last mile” of public services, introducing more sustainable mobility solutions such as low-emission vehicles, improved route planning, and digital tools to optimize travel.
The project’s goal is not only to reduce environmental impact but also to improve the efficiency of services and the quality of life in cities, showing that more sustainable mobility can go hand in hand with more accessible and inclusive public services.
Towards More Sustainable Mobility
Making the transition to sustainable mobility easier requires a combination of different strategies: improving public transport systems, integrating different modes of transport, promoting technological innovation, and encouraging cultural change. Projects like Green LaMiS demonstrate that sustainable mobility is not only about individual travel choices but also about how urban services are organized and delivered.
In conclusion, the shift from private or shared cars to public transport depends not only on the availability of transport options but also on cities’ ability to make this choice convenient, simple, and socially acceptable. Addressing these challenges will be essential to promote truly sustainable urban mobility.