Perceived Mobility Need Satisfaction across Transport Modes: First Validation of the PMNS and Its Predictive Value for Mode Use and Willingness to Pay

Abstract

This study provides a first psychometric examination of the Perceived Mobility Need Satisfaction (PMNS) scale across multiple transport modes and tests its predictive validity for transport use and willingness to pay. Using data from an online mobility survey at the University of the Bundeswehr Munich, 143 respondents with complete PMNS ratings across five transport modes contributed 715 mode-specific evaluations. Depending on the degree of between-person dependency, subsets of PMNS items were analysed using CFA or MCFA. The results indicate that the original PMNS structure required minor refinements, but yielded interpretable and psychometrically acceptable measurement models. Safety and comfort showed meaningful within- and between-person variance, whereas autonomy, competence, and money primarily reflected mode-specific evaluations. PMNS-derived factors further predicted cumulative travel distance and willingness to pay. Overall, the findings support the feasibility of assessing perceived mobility need satisfaction across transport modes and underline its relevance for understanding use and acceptance beyond behavioural indicators alone.