Mobile Without Fear: Personal Control, Information, and Communication Support in ICT-Mediated Urban Public Transportation

Abstract

In the lives of anxious users of public transportation, being mobile without fear depends on personal control of physical mobility, clear information concerning mobility-related choices, and communicative connectivity while traveling. In the study presented here, qualitative interviews and accompanied mobility walks with vulnerable passengers affected by anxiety disorders revealed the need for information and communication technology (ICT)-mediated route planning with attention to mobility justice, usability, and sensitive implementation in everyday practice. Taking an interdisciplinary perspective integrating communication science, psychology, and traffic planning, the study revealed potential solutions to problems involved in addressing people’s needs in future public traffic planning and mobility-related communication.