Alternative Transportation Enterprises for Rural Australia: An Organizational Study of Greener Options and Use

Abstract

Economic and social norms/behaviours challenge ‘greener’ transportation alternatives in rural Australia’s car-dependent society. Surveys ( n = 412) and interviews ( n = 44) conducted at a rural Australian organization reveal experiences with, and perceptions about, carpooling, public transportation, greener cars and walking/cycling campaigns. Infrastructure, cultural norms and life-stage demands competed against pro-environmental transportation actions, even if self-identifying as ‘pro-environment’. Discussed amid cognitive dissonance and impression management theory, findings support ‘attitude/action’ gaps in environmental psychology research. Interview participants knew vehicles degraded the environment and 81 per cent surveyed used environmental ratings in car purchasing decisions. Thus, deficit-based communication theory and public health campaigns are limiting approaches. Change management requires innovative solutions, not awareness-raising campaigns, to achieve organizational carbon neutrality goals beyond ‘offsetting’ and address the reasons—inconvenience and social/physical undesirability—interviewees shared about their ability/willingness to walk/cycle/share-drive.

Physical Activity and Food Environments in and around Schools: A Case Study in Regional North-West Tasmania

“…The geographical locations of residential dwellings can be quite dispersed in regional towns, which results in an over reliance on motorized transport for essential commutes. With limited or no public transportation and long traveling distances, rural Australia's dependence on private transportation is a good case in point [68]. As such, a favorable score on a walkability index may not necessarily translate to increased participation in active commuting unless living in close proximity to the school, and different walkability measures may be required in rural areas.…”