69 / 2024-04-18 15:44:40

Factors influencing intention to use ride-splitting services for commuting: an empirical study based on the TAM model

Ride-splitting services; Commuting trips; TAM model; Multi-group analysis, China.

Ride-splitting represents an alternative to private vehicles and is becoming internationally recognized as a solution of sustainable transportation. However, there is currently no widespread acceptance and adoption of ride-splitting services as a mode of commuting among urban residents. Understanding the determinants of people’s intention to use ride-splitting services is critical for the promotion of such services and the development of commuting sustainability. The theoretical framework of this research is an extended version of the technology acceptance model containing perceived risk, social influence and environmental awareness. A questionnaire was created to empirically test the model and a total of 392 valid surveys were collected in Hefei, China. The intention to use ride-splitting services for commuting trips was found to be positively affected by social influence, perceived usefulness and environmental awareness, while negatively influenced by perceived risk. Although the effect of perceived ease of use on intention is not significant, it can help residents increase their perception of the usefulness of ride-splitting services. In addition, this study also tested the moderating effect of gender by adopting a multi-group analysis. The results confirmed that gender had a moderating effect in the relationship between environmental awareness and behavioral intention. These findings provide practical insights for ride-splitting organizations and transportation departments. The limitations of this study and suggestions for further research are also discussed.