Exploring the acceptability and feasibility of a Smartphone app to monitor and promote active travel

Background: In countries with low rates of active travel, low-cost, wide-reaching interventions aimed at promoting active travel are a public health priority.

Purpose: To explore the acceptability and feasibility of an existing smartphone app (TRavelVU) to promote active travel in the Australian context.

Methods: 41 adults (mean age of 44 years, 59% female) downloaded and interacted with TRavelVU for four weeks. Once downloaded, the app uses GPS to collect location and speed data. Algorithms identify the most likely mode of transport. Users view and can edit their journeys when recorded incorrectly. Participants completed a survey about their level of engagement, the apps ease of use and accuracy and suggested behaviour change add-ons.

Results: In terms of ease, 49% stated that TravelVu was very easy to use, 44% stated it was somewhat easy to use and 7% stated it was not at all easy to use. In terms of accuracy, 32% felt it was it was accurate, 59% that it somewhat accurate and 10% that it was not at all accurate. The reason for the poor accuracy appeared to reflect the view that the app was unable to correctly identify car journeys when traffic was congested and multi-modal journeys. 83% of participants stated TRavelVU was useful for tracking and monitoring travel behaviour while only 34% reported they would use it over the longer term. Over two thirds of participants agreed that they would like to be able to set travel goals (66%), track their progress in relation to these goals (71%), and receive positive feedback (63%).

Conclusion: TravelVu was generally well received by participants with most reporting it to be accurate and easy to use. Additional functions such as setting goals and tracking progress may be useful to encourage a shift to active travel.