Measuring Multimodality Through Individual Needs and Habits: An Exploratory Methodological Framework for Milan’s University Students

Multimodality is essential to sustainable mobility, promoting flexibility in modal choices and reducing dependence on private cars. Most existing research focuses on transport performance and overlooks how individual perceptions, capabilities, and spatial environments shape multimodal behavior. To address this gap, this study introduces a people-centered framework grounded in Kaufmann’s concept of motility, for evaluating individual’ competencies and willingness to engage in multimodal travel. Based on a quali-quantitative survey conducted in Milan’s university district of Città Studi, the study maps students’ travel behavior by measuring their physical accessibility, digital and physical competencies, and mobility attitudes. The analysis identifies five user profiles: Empowered, Aspiring, Latent, Balanced, and Low Multimodal profiles. The study shows that the most common profile was those who were satisfied with their current travel habits and not seeking change. In contrast, the least representative group showed strong capabilities but lacked motivation to adopt multimodal travel. These findings highlight the importance of considering individual travel experiences and behavioral intentions in designing a mobility hub and its supply. The framework supports tailoring interventions and adaptive solutions on the nodes’ scale and surroundings to increase multimodal practices.