Habitual or reasoned? Using the theory of planned behavior, technology acceptance model, and habit to examine switching intentions toward public transit

How to reduce private vehicle use and to encourage public transit have always been the fundamental policy goals of transportation authorities. Whether mode choice behaviors are reasoned action or habit has also been debated, resulting in mixed arguments. This study proposes an integrated model combining the theory of planned behavior (TPB), the technology acceptance model (TAM), and habit to examine the switching intentions toward public transit by private vehicle users (both car and motorcycle users). The results reveal that through a comparison with the TPB variables, the habitual behavior of private vehicle use hinders an individual’s intention to switch from a car or motorcycle to public transit. Furthermore, motorcycle commuters are more likely than car commuters to resist their habitual mode use behavior in switching to public transit through their reasoned evaluation process. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Research highlights
► An integrated mode of TPB, TAM and habit on mode choice is empirically examined.
► Habitual use of private vehicle hinders switching intention from private vehicle to public transit.
► Reasoned evaluation process helps resist habit for motorcyclists more than car users.