Bridging human behaviour and public transport policies: applying the extended theory of planned behaviour for sustainable urban mobility

Purpose Urban areas worldwide face major sustainability challenges, particularly in transport, which significantly impact economic, environmental, social, and mental well-being. These issues are intensified by policies that overlook human behaviour. This study seeks to enhance public transport, an essential element of sustainable urban mobility, by examining behavioural influences and promoting effective public engagement. Design/methodology/approach Following a comprehensive literature review, a focus group discussion was conducted to validate and contextualize key variables influencing transport mode choices. A subsequent questionnaire survey assessed the relative importance of each variable and validated the applicability of the extended theory of planned behaviour (TPB), supported by expert interviews. Findings Public transport extends beyond physical infrastructure to encompass social and cultural dimensions. The study emphasizes addressing behavioural and cognitive patterns and provides a context-specific prioritization of key influencing factors to inform strategic development. Research limitations/implications This study is grounded in a tropical, lower-middle-income urban context. However, the extended TPB framework offers transferable insights for similar socio-economic settings. Practical implications The study provides practical insights for urban planners and policymakers to prioritize investments that align with human needs and behaviours. Social implications It promotes inclusive and sustainable urban mobility solutions that address diverse societal needs and enhance public well-being. Originality/value This study addresses an underexplored area by extending the TPB to six grounded variables, integrating both subjective and objective factors and providing an empirical prioritization to inform strategy and investment decisions.