Does the use of smartphones affect discretionary trips? An analysis of smartphone use data from Halifax, Nova Scotia

This paper explores the impact of smartphone apps on discretionary travel by utilizing a survey of smartphone users in the Canadian city of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Both subjective and objective measures of discretionary trips are analyzed. A number of attributes such as smartphone use for different purposes, individuals’ perceptions and attitudes towards smartphone use and travel, and built environment measures are examined along with socio-demographic characteristics. Overall, results suggest that greater use of smartphone apps increases the number of discretionary trips. Perceptions and attitudes toward app use and travel also affect the number of discretionary trips. The results suggest that those who agreed that smartphone use has improved their daily life are more likely to make fewer social, shopping, and entertainment-related trips. The impact of socio-demographic and built environment attributes is low compared to the other variables considered in the analysis.