Cargo-Hitching in Long-Distance Bus Transit: An Acceptance Analysis

Abstract

AbstractThe combination of freight transport and mobility—also known as cargo-hitching—is a form of delivery that has been implemented in various modes of transport. This concept is already widely used in Europe, Africa and North America in long-distance bus transport and ensures parcel delivery via the cargo compartment of long-distance buses. This paper aims to investigate the acceptance of cargo-hitching in long-distance bus transport in Germany. For this purpose, first the term cargo-hitching is defined, and an overview of cargo-hitching concepts in long-distance bus transport worldwide is given. In the following, the principles of attitudinal acceptance are explained. A modified version of the UTAUT2 model was used as the basis for an empirical study in the form of a quantitative online survey (n = 245). The results provide information about factors influencing acceptance as well as wishes and requirements of potential users. Parts of the UTAUT2 model were verified by regression analysis. It was shown that the variables’ habit, price value, hedonic motivation, performance expectancy and social influence predict the behavioural intention to use cargo-hitching in our sample significantly (p < 0.05). Furthermore, risks, benefits and willingness to pay were determined, which could contribute to the development of a business model. These included measures to improve transparency, security and information flow of the cargo-hitching process.