Unpacking solo driving: how contextual and psychological factors shape commuters’ intentions in the Paris region

In the context of the climate crisis and increasing urban congestion, reducing solo driving for commuting is a key challenge for promoting sustainable urban mobility. This study examines the psychological and contextual factors determining the intention to reduce solo driving among Parisian commuters. Based on Extended Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), integrating factors from the Norm Activation Model (NAM) and the COM-B framework, we carried out a correlational study. Data were collected through an e-survey from a sample of 1356 individuals living in the Paris region who solo drive for commuting. The proposed extended model accounted for 55.6% of the variance of their intention to reduce their solo driving. Present findings highlight the substantial role of perceived opportunities in strengthening solo driving reduction intention, suggesting that reducing perceived barriers by improving public transport infrastructure, and promoting opportunities by lowering public transport costs and expanding remote work options can encourage individuals to reduce solo driving. This study offers insights for policymakers to design targeted interventions encouraging sustainable mobility for commuters in urban and suburban settings.