Urban-Rural Divide: Investigation of Travel Patterns, Work Arrangement Choices, and Electric Vehicle Preferences in Nova Scotia

Abstract

This thesis addresses the long-standing urban-centric bias in transportation research by foregrounding the urban–rural divide as a critical dimension for sustainable and inclusive mobility planning in the post-pandemic era. Using data from the 2022–23 Nova Scotia Travel Activity (NovaTRAC) survey, conducted across diverse communities, it evaluates multiple sampling methods, civic address, landline, cellphone, and social media, to improve representation, especially among hard-to-reach rural households. The mixed-mode approach captures socio-demographic, behavioral, and attitudinal differences across regions, offering a comprehensive portrait of how Nova Scotians live, move, and work. A Hybrid Choice (HCM) framework integrates observed and latent factors to explain both choices and motivations. The analysis focuses on two domains: public electric vehicle charging location preferences, highlighting region-specific infrastructure needs, and post-pandemic work arrangements, showing how contextual and attitudinal factors influence decisions. Findings clarify spatial inequities and inform inclusive EV infrastructure planning, flexible work policies, and sustainable mobility strategies.