Certificate Programme in Behavioral Economics for Senior Transportation

About this Podcast

HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today I'm excited to be talking with Dr. Jane Smith, an expert in behavioral economics and the lead instructor for the Certificate Programme in Behavioral Economics for Senior Transportation. Dr. Smith, can you tell us a bit about this course and what inspired you to create it? GUEST: Thanks for having me! I've always been fascinated by how psychological biases influence our decisions, and in transportation, these insights can lead to better policies and systems. Our course helps senior professionals understand and apply these principles to real-world challenges. HOST: That sounds fascinating. How do psychological biases specifically affect transportation choices? GUEST: People often underestimate the impact of cognitive biases on their travel behavior. For example, the endowment effect can make commuters resistant to giving up their private cars for public transport, even when it's more efficient. HOST: I see. And how can understanding nudges and framing effects help transportation planners and policymakers? GUEST: Nudges and framing effects can subtly influence people's decisions. By applying these techniques, transportation professionals can encourage safer driving, increase public transport usage, and promote sustainable mobility management. HOST: Could you provide an example of how behavioral economics has improved transportation in the real world? GUEST: Sure! In London, they implemented a congestion charge using a nudge approach. By framing the charge as a way to improve air quality and reduce traffic, they successfully encouraged drivers to use alternative transport modes, reducing congestion and pollution. HOST: That's a powerful example. As an instructor, what challenges have you faced teaching behavioral economics in the context of senior transportation? GUEST: The biggest challenge is helping students unlearn traditional economic theories and adopt a more psychology-based perspective. But once they make that shift, the possibilities for innovation are endless. HOST: Where do you see the future of behavioral economics in transportation? GUEST: I believe behavioral economics will become an essential tool for transportation professionals as they seek to create equitable, user-friendly, and sustainable solutions. Our course is just the beginning! HOST: Dr. Smith, thank you so much for joining us today and sharing your insights on the Certificate Programme in Behavioral Economics for Senior Transportation. We're excited to see the positive impact this course will have on the industry. GUEST: Thank you for having me. It's been a pleasure!