Designing a Comprehensive Policy-Making Model for Transport Modal Shift with an Environmental Sustainability Approach and Analysis of Its Implementation Barriers in Iran
Keywords:
Policy-making, modal shift, environmental sustainability, data-driven approach, sustainable transport, IraAbstract
This study aims to design and validate a comprehensive policy-making model for transport modal shift with an environmental sustainability approach and to identify its implementation barriers in Iran. This research employed an exploratory–sequential mixed-methods design. In the qualitative phase, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 20 experts in transport policy, environmental management, and policy-making, and analyzed using inductive content analysis. Based on the qualitative findings, an initial conceptual model was developed. In the quantitative phase, a researcher-made questionnaire was distributed among 214 managers and experts, of which 192 valid responses were analyzed. Data were processed using SPSS version 28, applying statistical tests including the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test and one-sample t-test. The results indicated that all identified components were statistically significant and had mean values significantly higher than the benchmark value (3) (p<0.05). The normality of data distribution was also confirmed. Among the components, “provision of essential data,” “policy-makers’ capabilities,” and “mastery of environmental conditions” were identified as the most influential factors in the proposed model. The findings suggest that effective policy-making for transport modal shift requires a comprehensive, data-driven approach supported by strong institutional and human capacities, capable of managing complex interactions and overcoming implementation barriers.
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