This chapter describes a survey, undertaken in Helsinki, Finland, regarding the effect of telematics (or telecommuting) in work trips. The survey specifically sought to determine whether or not there was a substitution impact (individuals substituting telematics for work trips, and thus lessening their trips to work), a stimulation impact (telematics actually stimulating more travel), or a complementarity effect (individuals using both methods - telematics and travel to work). Results suggest that 1/3 of office workers surveyed reduced their work trips when telecommuting (affirming substitution); no stimulation effect was noted; and supervisory personnel continued to make work trips while also using telematics (complementarity). In general, work trips were made by automobile, public transit, and sometimes airplane.
Abstract