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Can policy packaging help overcome Pigouvian tax aversion? A lab experiment on combining taxes and subsidies
No full textGøril L. Andreassen, Steffen Kallbekken, Knut Einar Rosendahl, Can policy packaging help overcome Pigouvian tax aversion? A lab experiment on combining taxes and subsidies, Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Volume 127, 2024, 103010, ISSN 0095-0696, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeem.2024.103010.Tax aversion makes it politically challenging to introduce Pigouvian taxes. One proposed solution to overcome this resistance is to package policies. Using an online lab experiment, we investigate whether combining a tax and a subsidy is perceived as more acceptable than the tax or the subsidy alone. The purpose of the policies is to reduce demand for a good with a negative externality to the socially optimal level. We find that support for a combination of a tax and a subsidy equals the simple average of support for the two instruments alone. Combining a tax and a subsidy therefore does not reduce tax aversion. We examine potential mechanisms behind the tax aversion. Participants believe they will receive a lower share of the tax revenue when the tax is implemented alone than when it is combined with a subsidy, i.e. the participants in the tax alone group hold more pessimistic beliefs about the tax revenue. We also find that the participants expect the tax to be more effective in reducing demand for the good with a negative externality than both the subsidy alone and the combinations of tax and subsidy. This belief does not, however, translate into support for the tax.Can policy packaging help overcome Pigouvian tax aversion? A lab experiment on combining taxes and subsidiespublishedVersio
Which Measures can Reduce Parental Driving to Sport Activities?
Full text linkLunke, Erik Bjørnson, and Susanne Nordbakke. 2024. “Which Measures Can Reduce Parental Driving to Sport Activities?” Findings, September. https://doi.org/10.32866/001c.123350.We conducted a survey to investigate how parents evaluate the effect (on their own behaviour) of five measures to reduce driving of children to sport activities in the municipality of Bærum, Norway. We find that parents’ evaluation of the effect varies for each measure, where the largest (perceived) effect is found in providing buses to activities. Moreover, we find large disparities in potential effect between different sports. Carpooling and walking/cycling groups are more relevant for soccer and handball, activities that take place in children’s local area. For skiing and ice-skating, we find a stronger effect in providing the possibility to store gear at the activity location. The disparities in potential effects among type of activities are probably linked to differences of locations of activities or in amount of gear that has to be brought along.Which Measures can Reduce Parental Driving to Sport Activities?acceptedVersio
Perceived walkability and daily walking behaviour in a “small city context” – The case of Norway
No full textHarpa Stefánsdóttir, Kostas Mouratidis, Maja Karoline Rynning, Sunniva Frislid Meyer, Perceived walkability and daily walking behaviour in a “small city context” – The case of Norway, Journal of Transport Geography, Volume 121, 2024, 104014, ISSN 0966-6923, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2024.104014.Walking is essential for environmentally friendly transport, vibrant street life, and public health. Due to the short distances, small cities should have great potential for walking; however, the car still dominates in many places. Moreover, whether and how conditions related to a Northern European location play a role in perceived walkability and subsequent walking behaviour in small cities has rarely been studied. This paper aimed to answer what characterizes walkability in the context of a small city in Norway, using Narvik, Kongsvinger, and Steinkjer as case studies. The investigation is based on a mixed methodological approach, including a survey with public participation geographic information systems (PPGIS), followed by a qualitative investigation with focus group interviews with families. The results suggest that walking for commuting purposes is considered a realistic option by most residents, although the car is used for most trip purposes, indicating that there exists an unfulfilled potential for walking. Results from the walkability assessment with PPGIS suggest that for a positive walking experience, perceived walkability includes a range of walkability indicators of a distinct nature that interact. The interviews provided explanations about important incentives in the cities that encourage the use of cars at the cost of making it attractive to walk. Good access by car stimulates its use despite short distances, and its dominance prevents fulfilling pedestrians' needs regarding calm surroundings and space reserved for vibrant street life and vegetation. Fragmented infrastructure limits parents' confidence in their children's safety. Lighting and maintenance are important in the winter to ensure walkability.publishedVersio
Perceptions of Service Enhancements in Shared Autonomous Vehicles: A Demographic Perspective
Full text linkAasvik, Ole. 2024. “Perceptions of Service Enhancements in Shared Autonomous Vehicles: A Demographic Perspective.” Findings, September. https://doi.org/10.32866/001c.123811.As the pressure on urban mobility rises, shared autonomous vehicles (SAVs) offer enhanced transportation efficiency and safety. This study investigates the valuations of additional services in SAVs, examining demographics’ impact on preferences for different service features. We use data from 1723 Norwegian respondents to an online survey. We find that women put increased value on a safety host. Younger respondents value fast travel time. More tech-savvy individuals showing a higher valuation for services enhancing personal utility and comfort. Intention to use strongly predicts valuation of utilities, but not social factors.acceptedVersio
Sacralisation of Land and Seascapes on the West Coast of Norway – A Reality or Misconceptions on Renaissance Maps?
Full text linkTvedt, J. (2024). Sacralisation of Land and Seascapes on the West Coast of Norway – A Reality or Misconceptions on Renaissance Maps? . Maal Og Minne, 116(2), 345–369. https://doi.org/10.52145/mom.v116i2.2321The paper discusses the geographical sacralisation that seems to be present in sixteenth- and early seventeenth-century maps of the land and seascapes around Bergen on the Norwegian west coast. The hagiotoponyms may represent foreign mapmakers’ misconceptions when faced with unfamiliar and incomprehensible local place-names. That is, the toponyms’ original meaning may have been secular and the origin Norse. Alternatively, the maps may correctly reproduce and preserve medieval sacral place names, of which meaning subsequently has been lost. The toponyms that are discussed are Sotra, Krossfjord and Lyse, which may be linked, respectively, to the prominent medieval religious institutions of the region, the Benedictine Munkeliv Abbey, the Cross Church of Fana and the Cistercian Lyse Abbey.RedigerpublishedVersio
The effects of subsidising e-bikes on mode share and physical activity - A natural experiment
Full text linkHanne Beate Sundfør, Sveinung Berntsen, Elling Tufte Bere, Aslak Fyhri, The effects of subsidising e-bikes on mode share and physical activity - A natural experiment, Journal of Transport & Health, Volume 35, 2024, 101752, ISSN 2214-1405, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jth.2023.101752. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214140523001895)Introduction The promotion of increased cycling is a political goal in numerous countries due to its environmental and public health benefits. Initiatives to stimulate e-bike use, like subsidies, may be a relevant strategy. However, understanding of the effects of these subsidies remains limited. In the present study our aim was to investigate the short-term effects of subsidising e-bike purchases on mode share distribution, physical activity derived from daily travel, and overall levels of physical activity. Methods We used the 2020-subvention program in Oslo, Norway, as a natural experiment, employing a pre-post randomised group design. The trial group (N = 194) and control group (N = 2174) participated in a survey at two time points (in April and September 2021), which included a one-day travel diary and questions about physical activity over the previous week. Results Our findings revealed a significant 12.6 [7.2, 18.0] percentage point increase in bicycle mode share, followed by a decrease in the share of car and public transport usage of 10.1 [-15.9, −2.5] and 7.1 [-11.8, −2.4] percentage points. In terms of physical activity generated from daily travel, we observed a greater increase in e-cycling compared to the decrease in conventional cycling and walking, resulting in an overall rise in active transport. However, despite these findings, we did not detect a significant increase in overall physical activity resulting from this increased active mobility. Conclusion Initiatives such as subsidies for e-bikes may align with both environmental and public health goals, as the subvention led to an increase in the bicycle mode share and an overall rise in active transport. However, to assess the impact on overall physical activity, additional research utilising more precise measurements is needed.The effects of subsidising e-bikes on mode share and physical activity - A natural experimentpublishedVersio
Post-/pandemic mobility adaptations and wellbeing in Oslo, Norway: A longitudinal mixed-methods approach
No full textSindre Cottis Hoff, Lars Böcker, Ulrikke Bryn Wethal, Post-/pandemic mobility adaptations and wellbeing in Oslo, Norway: A longitudinal mixed-methods approach, Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, Volume 129, 2024,
104147, ISSN 1361-9209, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2024.104147. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1361920924001044)This study investigates the understudied relationship between post-/pandemic mobility adaptations and wellbeing outcomes, drawing on a longitudinal mixed-method approach combining survey analyses and in-depth citizen interviews conducted between 2019 and 2022 in Oslo, Norway. Qualitative analyses explore the depth and diversity of pandemic mobility adaptations and the implications for hedonic and eudaimonic wellbeing. Factor and structural equation models confirm statistical evidence for three pandemic coping strategies – working from home, avoiding spaces of infection, and (enjoyment of) the local environment – with respectively neutral, negative and positive impacts on satisfaction with life. The post-pandemic ability to be more mobile and attend diverse activities again is by many perceived as positive, but people struggle to maintain cherished aspects of the slower-paced, localised lifestyles adopted during the pandemic. We discuss the significance of our findings for inclusive pandemic resilience, and reflect on the lessons relevant for addressing another crisis – climate change.Post-/pandemic mobility adaptations and wellbeing in Oslo, Norway: A longitudinal mixed-methods approachpublishedVersio
Nonparametric estimation of allocative efficiency using indirect production theory: Application to container ports in Norway
Full text linkRødseth, K.L., Holmen, R.B., Kuosmanen, T. et al. Nonparametric estimation of allocative efficiency using indirect production theory: Application to container ports in Norway. J Prod Anal 62, 365–377 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11123-024-00719-1Adaption to prices is an important feature of productivity development. This paper proposes an extension of the StoNED model to accommodate estimation of allocative efficiency. It demonstrates how indirect production theory is suited for assessing allocative efficiency and helps alleviating the curse of dimensionality for stochastic nonparametric estimators compared to conventional measures of allocative efficiency. Furthermore, the paper elaborates on the appropriate cost of capital for the estimation of allocative efficiency. The proposed model framework is utilized to study allocative efficiency of Norwegian container ports, thereby adding to the literature on seaport terminal efficiency studies.Nonparametric estimation of allocative efficiency using indirect production theory: Application to container ports in NorwayacceptedVersio
The role of toilets in public spaces: An interview study with individuals experiencing gastrointestinal issues
No full textAnja Fleten Nielsen, The role of toilets in public spaces: An interview study with individuals experiencing gastrointestinal issues,
Social Science & Medicine, Volume 362, 2024, 117408, ISSN 0277-9536, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.117408.This study, conducted in Norway, addresses the issue of inadequate access to toilets in public spaces and transportation systems, particularly concerning individuals with disabilities who have heightened needs of toilets. The study employed in-depth interviews with individuals experiencing various gastrointestinal issues, including bladder-related problems. Utilizing a qualitative approach, interviews were conducted via telephone to accommodate potential travel difficulties. This approach also leveraged previous successes with sensitive topics. A sample size of 10 interviews was chosen based on prior research indicating that key themes typically emerge within this range. Key findings indicate significant barriers to participation in societal activities due to insufficient toilet facilities. For transport in particular, boats and trains emerge as preferred modes over buses, trams and subways due to the presence of onboard toilets. Notably, urban areas and recreational spots like parks and beaches suffer from a lack of restroom facilities. In order to improve these facilities, informants highlighted measures such as provision of open, hygienic toilets with barrier-free access. These measures should be coupled with clear signage and awareness campaigns regarding toilet facilities tailored to individuals with diverse health needs. The study underscores the critical role of toilets in maintaining public health and acknowledges the right to access toilets as recognized by the United Nations. Testimonials from individuals with disabilities underscore the profound impact of toilet accessibility on their daily lives, revealing instances of social isolation and restricted activities due to inadequate facilities. Proposed interventions encompass improved hygiene standards, increased toilet availability, and enhanced staff training to cater to the diverse needs of users. The study advocates for legislative reforms and policy guidelines to address the pressing issue of toilet accessibility, aiming to foster inclusivity and equal participation in public life for individuals with disabilities.The role of toilets in public spaces: An interview study with individuals experiencing gastrointestinal issuespublishedVersio
Socio-spatial Variation in the Public Acceptance of Road Tolls in Norwegian Urban Regions
Full text linkBöcker, L., Wolday, F., Tveit, A. K. and Letnes, M. W., 2024. Socio-spatial Variation in the Public Acceptance of Road Tolls in Norwegian Urban Regions, Nordic Journal of Urban Studies, 4(2),1-18, https://doi.org/10.18261/njus.4.2.4.Road tolls are one of the most effective – but also most contentious – measures in the transition to sustainable urban mobility. This study examines the inter- and intra-urban variations in the public acceptance of urban road tolls and its relationship to toll exposure, public transport competitiveness, and socioeconomic status. The study draws on constituency-level 2019 municipal election support for a single-issue political party against road tolls in the Norwegian urban regions of Oslo, Bergen and Stavanger. Job-accessibility analyses were performed to calculate potential toll exposure and the time-competitiveness of public transport versus the car. Revealed intra-urban variations include higher anti-toll voting in areas with higher potential toll exposure, lower public transport competitiveness, lower education, and higher shares of singles, couples without children, and single parents compared to traditional nuclear families. Inter-regional variations reveal higher anti-toll voting in Bergen compared to Oslo and especially Stavanger, controlling for the above. The paper discusses these findings in light of the transition towards just and inclusive climate-friendly cities.Socio-spatial Variation in the Public Acceptance of Road Tolls in Norwegian Urban RegionspublishedVersio