Sustainable Mobility in the Age of Internet – A Case Study of Travel Behaviour in Tórshavn

Abstract: The study investigates how information and communication technologies (ICTs) can contribute to sustainable mobility in Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands. Journeys with the purposes of work, shopping and leisure are investigated and analysed in terms of sustainable mobility. Data has been collected through a survey of residents in four neighbourhoods and interviews with respectively people with car and people without car. The findings of the study show that car ownership is perceived important for social inclusion and people with no car ownership are exposed to experience a low mobility. Thus, a high car priority has caused that less attention has been given to public transportation, infrastructure for nonmotorised transportation modes and proximity in urban design. Results also show that there is an interest use ICTs to complement journeys and non car owners with a low mobility use ICTs to substitute physical. ICTs can, therefore, facilitate sustainable mobility by providing access to shopping, leisure and work. Policies that promote sustainable mobility should discourage car use but ensure a high mobility by improving conditions for public and non-motorised transportation. Mobility should be complemented by access in the local area and through usage of ICTs.