The mind in transit: a mediation analysis of road networks, mass transit, and passenger well-being in Sheger and Addis Ababa Cities, Ethiopia

In rapidly urbanizing cities such as Addis Ababa and Sheger, efficient transportation is crucial for citizen well-being. This study investigates the critical link between mass transit, road networks, and commuter mental health, proposing that road quality is a key mediator. Using a quantitative approach, we surveyed 469 commuters and analyzed the data with confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. The model demonstrated an excellent fit (CFI = 0.987, RMSEA = 0.054), confirming a robust structure. These findings reveal that mass transit directly and significantly improves mental well-being (β = 0.43, p < 0.001). Crucially, we also identified a significant mediating pathway: mass transit enhances the perceived quality of road networks (β = 0.35, p < 0.001), which in turn positively impacts mental well-being (β = 0.29, p < 0.01). This indicates that improving mass transit boosts passenger comfort directly, but its effectiveness is amplified when supported by high-quality road infrastructure. For policymakers, this underscores the necessity of a holistic urban strategy. Investing in integrated transit systems and robust road networks is not just an infrastructure goal; it is a direct investment in the mental well-being of the public and the foundation for sustainable, livable cities.