The role of value orientations in evaluating quality of life consequences of a transport pricing policy

This study examines relationships between value orientations and perceived quality of life-changes when the cost of car use is doubled. An Internet based survey shows that people expect only minor decreases in overall quality of life when costs of car use increase. People with a strong egoistic value orientation evaluate quality of life consequences of the policy more pessimistically than people who have a weak egoistic value orientation. On the other hand, people with strong altruistic or biospheric value orientations are more optimistic compared to those with weak altruistic or biospheric value orientations. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.