Current projects

New Mobility Survey

In May-June 2020, START administered a survey to 3,658 representative Canadians to assess respondents’ awareness, interest in, and adoption of several “new mobility” innovations. New mobility innovations include “ride-hailing” (on-demand ride services, such as Uber and Lyft), “car-sharing services” (short-term vehicle rental services shared among a network of members, such as ZipCar, Evo, and Car2Go), automated vehicles (vehicles that can operate without human drivers), and electric vehicles (vehicles which can be powered partially or fully using electricity). A societal and technical transition to one or some combination of these innovations could play an important role in achieving sustainable transport goals, substantially impacting the environment, energy use, and social well-being. However, considerable uncertainty remains about the likelihood of widespread deployment, uptake, and usage of these innovations, and the ultimate magnitude and direction of societal impacts.

The survey assessed respondents’:

  • Travel patterns and behaviour
  • Awareness and familiarity with ride-hailing, car-sharing, automated vehicles, and electric vehicles
  • Adoption of ride-hailing, car-sharing, automated vehicles, and electric vehicles
  • Interest in adopting ride-hailing, car-sharing, automated vehicles, and electric vehicles
  • Perceptions of ride-hailing, car-sharing, automated vehicles, and electric vehicles
  • Support and opposition for new mobility supportive policies

Findings from this study provide insight into Canadians’ prospective adoption of new transport technologies, which can help inform policymakers anticipation of how these potentially transformative technologies might be used by travelers. Analysis of survey findings is summarized in our report, Consumer response to new mobility innovations in Canada. We also summarize key findings and insights in a two-page research brief. Additional analysis is ongoing.

Project documents:

Please contact zoe_long@sfu.ca for more information.

Climate Policy Survey

In April 2019, START administered a survey to over 1,500 representative Canadians and 500 Californians, assessing respondents’:

  • Awareness and perceptions of the climate and electric vehicle policies in place where they live
  • Support for and opposition to various climate and electric vehicle policies, such as a carbon tax, electric vehicle incentives, and vehicle emissions standards (among others)
  • Trust in various actors and institutions related to climate and electric vehicle policy implementation, including governments, industry stakeholders, and scientists

Results from this survey will provide a snap shot of Canadians’ and Californians’ opinions and views on the climate policies implemented in their regions, and those that may be implemented in the future. The survey will also gain insights into how citizens’ trust in actors involved in climate policy implementation influences their support for policies.

As analysis is still ongoing, please contact zoe_long@sfu.ca for more information. Survey design documents can be downloaded here.