Service-related traffic: An analysis of the influence of firms on travel behaviour

摘要

Services are becoming more and more important in industrialized countries. Yet very little is known about the traffic initiated by the provision of these services. Particularly the role of firms in this context is an unexplored field of research. To know how firms influence the travel behaviour of their employees, is however crucial for public authorities and for development of political measures. The paper analyzes different types of travel behaviour and provides new perspectives on how firms affect this behaviour, focusing on the field of service-related traffic. Two different empirical data sets (from two German surveys) are used to reveal crucial predictors. These allow insight into the impact of firms on their employee's travel characteristics and patterns. In a first step, applying cluster analysis, we show that four types of travel behaviour exist, which differ significantly in their travel parameters. In a second step, using regression modelling, we provide evidence that internal structure, internal process as well as external structure have a significant impact on travel patterns and behaviour. Against the background of increasing road traffic, especially in urban areas, public authorities can use the results to understand and mitigate service-related traffic.