Factors Influencing Car Use and Car Drivers’ Willingness to Use Bicycles, E-scooters, and Public Transport: A Binary Logistic Regression Analysis

Shifting users toward sustainable transport modes is a key goal of Transport Demand Management (TDM), which aims to influence travel behaviour. Workplace Travel Plans (WTP), a core strategy within TDM, are designed to encourage employees to adopt more sustainable commuting options. Achieving this requires understanding why employees prefer private cars over alternative modes and their willingness to change. This study investigates the factors influencing private car use, satisfaction with car-based commuting, and employees' willingness to switch to bicycles, e-scooters, or Public Transport (PT). An online survey conducted among employees in Italy collected 2,314 valid responses, of which 57% reported using private cars. Satisfaction with car usewas measured using a four-point Likert scale, revealing that 76.88% of car users were satisfied or very satisfied. Despite this, 70% expressed no interest in switching to bicycles (72.4%) or e-scooters (78.7%), although 62% showed a greater willingness to use PT. Binary logistic regression analysis identified key factors influencing car use. Comfort, independence during travel, the need to accompany others, the availability of non-work activities, the lack of PT, and having a family member who cannot commute independently were all positively associated with car use. In contrast, parking difficulties, travel costs, and environmental concerns were negatively associated. These findings offer valuable insights for urban policymakers aiming to reduce car dependency and promote sustainable commuting. Tailored interventions addressing both practical needs and perceived barriers can support a smoother transition toward greater use of PT and other sustainable modes.