A leading behavioural scientist and transport expert from the University of Bath, Pete Dyson, has given evidence to MPs on the Transport Select Committee on how better integrated transport systems could shape travel behaviour across the UK.
More sustainable journeys
The Committee’s inquiry is examining how Government can design transport services and networks around the needs of users, including the role of integration in shaping people’s choices and enabling more sustainable journeys.
An integrated PhD researcher working with both the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST) and IAAPS, which focuses on propuslion systems innovation, Pete’s work brings together behavioural science, policy and real-world transport challenges.
He is also the author of the acclaimed book Transport for Humans: Are We Nearly There Yet?, and serves as Bicycle Mayor of Bath, a voluntary and independent role championing safer and more inclusive cycling in the city and region.
Read Pete's written submission to the inquiry
'People are not cargo'
Drawing on research at Bath into public attitudes to travel behaviour change and the role of government in social transformation, Pete shared insights into the psychological and social factors that shape how people travel. He emphasised that transport systems must be designed around people, not just infrastructure.
Commenting after the event, he said: “People are not cargo. So transport systems need to account for human needs, applying insights from social and behavioural sciences to prioritise where to invest and how to measure people’s experience. Because transport enables other sectors to thrive, integrating transport can achieve economic, social, cultural and environment outcomes.”
Reflecting themes from his book, Pete also highlighted how traditional measures such as speed and efficiency do not always fully capture what makes a journey work. Instead, factors such as habit, comfort, convenience and social context are often more influential, particularly as transport systems reach practical limits in capacity and performance.
The session brought together other experts from industry, public health and the charity sector to explore why most passenger journeys in the UK still do not involve public transport, and how active travel options such as walking and cycling could be better integrated.
Pete added: “Transport underpins how our economy and society function. When systems are properly integrated, the benefits go far beyond mobility, supporting economic opportunity, public health, social inclusion and environmental goals.”
A former Department for Transport (DfT) adviser, Pete also contributed to discussions on DfT’s ‘Better Connected’ strategy, welcoming its emphasis on co-design with communities.
Sustainability impact
The University of Bath has a strong track record in transport and sustainability research, combining technical innovation with behavioural and social science expertise. Through centres such as CAST and IAAPS, Bath researchers are helping to shape how transport systems can support the transition to a low-carbon, more inclusive future.
Professor Lorraine Whitmarsh, who collaborates with Pete through CAST, said: “Achieving net zero will require more than technological change; it depends on shifting everyday behaviours and the systems that shape them.
"Transport is a clear example of this. When services are designed in an integrated, user-focused way, they make sustainable choices easier, more attractive and more normal and it was fantastic to see Pete give evidence to MPs drawing on his extensive work in this area.”
Read more about Lorraine's recent Parliamentary evidence session
Professor Chris Brace, Executive Director of IAAPS where Pete is a doctoral student, added: “Turning low-carbon transport innovation into real-world impact depends on how effectively technologies, infrastructure and user behaviour are brought together.
"At IAAPS, we work across industry, academia and policy to accelerate the deployment of clean propulsion solutions, while training exceptional doctoral students, like Pete, with the technical and systems-thinking skills needed to deliver impact through our EPSRC-funded Doctoral Training Centre, AAPS CDT.
"This joined-up approach is helping to drive meaningful change across the UK and beyond, and highlights the importance of sharing robust evidence with policymakers to maximise impact.”
Read more about Chris' recent Parliamentary evidence session