How do static and dynamic commute characteristics shape commuting satisfaction?

Abstract

Despite the significant role that life events such as a change of residence or workplace have on travel behaviour in general and commute trips in particular, little attention has been paid to the effects of changes in commute characteristics on commuting satisfaction (CS). This study focuses on changes in commute characteristics due to changes in workplace location, distinguishing between voluntary and involuntary change. Using data from a large scale online retrospective survey, the findings reveal that dynamic variables such as changes in commuting mode, changes in commute time and changes in workplace location may be more important than static variables such as current commuting mode, current commute time, and current travel attitudes, as they explain a larger proportion of the variation in CS than static variables, at least shortly after the change of workplace location. Most importantly, individuals seem to be more satisfied with their commute after a voluntary workplace relocation than those who changed workplaces involuntarily. However, the question of how lasting this effect of a workplace relocation on CS is and whether CS changes over time as people become accustomed to the changed environment (treadmill effect) is open for future research.