Thank you to Dr. Hamid Mostofi, Professor of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences and Senior Researcher, Technical University of Berlin who presented Modeling Subjective Perceptions and Attitudes in Transportation Mode Choices: A Case Study of Urban Air Mobility at the Transportation Seminar Oct. 6, 2023.
Abstract: Subjective perceptions and attitudes play significant roles in citizens’ choices of transportation modes. In some cases, these factors exert more substantial influences on mobility behaviors than objective and physical parameters. Behavioral sciences provide valuable insights into how individuals may deviate from rational, utility-maximizing behavior due to cognitive biases, emotions, and perceptions. The influence of subjective perceptions and attitudes can sometimes lead to rebound effects when adopting new mobility modes like ride-hailing and e-micromobility, resulting in shifts from sustainable modes (non-motorized modes and public transport) to unsustainable ones. The primary objective of this lecture is to provide insights into quantitative methods for modeling the influence of subjective perceptions and attitudes on mobility mode choices. The lecture will delve into the application of the SEM method (Structural Equation Model) and various machine learning techniques. Additionally, a case study will be presented, focusing on the modeling of public attitudes toward air taxis and delivery drones in Germany.
Bio: Dr. Hamid Mostofi is a Professor of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences and a senior researcher at Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin) in the department of Technology and Participation- Mobility Research cluster. His work focuses on analyzing mobility behavior and mode choice, examining the influence of citizens’ subjective and objective perceptions on the acceptance of sustainable mobility practices. Dr. Mostofi also conducts research on the rebound effects of some new mobility modes like ride-sharing, ride-hailing, and e-micro mobilities on urban sustainability. He has been working mainly on the projects of the German Federal Ministries in the field of sustainability and transition to sustainable transportation in EU and Germany. His projects include acceptance analysis of electrification of heavy trucks with battery swapping (funded by BMWK), research on smart cities and climate change mitigation policies (BMBF), and contributions to the Green Energy Center (BMU). Recently, Dr. Mostofi serves as a visiting scholar at UC Berkeley, where he is working on the analysis of public perception and acceptance model for eVTOL and air taxis.