Abstract Manager

Research and practice have long focused on developing and implementing quality of life indicators to prioritize well-being in decision-making. Tools and methods for evaluating subjective well-being have gained significant traction in recent decades, with travel recognized as one of the many dimensions influencing overall well-being. However, many of these measures remain overly generic and indirect, lacking the nuance needed to address the diverse needs of different populations.

This research aims to examine the impact of daily travel and public transit use on quality of life in Canada. We use data from the Canadian Mobility Survey (CMS), a large-scale bilingual online survey conducted in Fall 2024 acoss 11 Canadian cities, namely Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Hamilton, Montreal, Ottawa-Gatineau, Quebec city, Saskatoon, Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg. This survey collects data from 22,775 participants across Canada about their travel behaviour, perceptions and opinions of public transport, travel preference, residential selection, and socioeconomic characteristics. Our preliminary findings show that 76% of the participants agree that their daily travel positively impacts their quality of life. Among 18,588 participants who have taken public transit within the last year, 73% agree that it positively influences their quality of life. The research aims to delve deeper into the impact of daily travel on various constructs of quality of life, including energy levels, productivity, punctuality, physical health, and mental health. 

By providing a comprehensive understanding of the travel-related factors that influence quality of life, this research provides important insights for decision-makers and transport practitioners that aim to develop equitable sustainable strategies that cater to the different needs of the population and support happy healthy living.