Hosted by the Program on Chinese Cities （PCC）
3/12/2026 6:00 PM-8:00 PM EST
Presenter: Hua Zhong
PhD, majoring in Transportation planning and management, Beijing Jiaotong University, China
Visiting scholar, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Supervisor: Prof. Yan Song
Abstract:
Promoting green transportation is essential for building sustainable and livable cities and for achieving the “dual-carbon” goals of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. Therefore, exploring commuters’ choices of green transportation and the mechanisms through which multiple potential factors influence these choices is of great significance.
Based on questionnaire survey data, this study employs a hybrid model combining a Structural Equation Model and Nested Logit (SEM–NL) to examine the indirect impact of service quality sensitivity on commuting mode choice through its influence on car dependency, while also investigating how socio-demographic characteristics and travel attributes shape commuting behavior.
The results indicate that service quality sensitivity consistently affects both car dependency and the likelihood of choosing non-green transport modes, forming a reinforcing feedback loop. Commuters who are more sensitive to efficiency, comfort, and convenience tend to rely more heavily on private cars, thereby increasing their tendency to choose non-green transport modes. In contrast, commuters who are more sensitive to economic factors exhibit lower car dependency and are more inclined to choose green commuting options. Among all factors, seat availability emerges as the issue of greatest concern for commuters.
Based on these findings, this study proposes targeted policy recommendations regarding service pricing and strategies to promote green commuting.