Exploring the Impact of Work from Home on Sustainable Transport and Car Ownership: A Leeds Case Study

Abstract

Leeds City Council (LCC) aims to reduce car dependency by decreasing annual car travel by 30% (approximately 900 miles per person) by 2030. Heavy reliance on private vehicles is unsustainable, contributing to pollution, traffic congestion, and increased traffic accidents—issues that disproportionately impact vulnerable communities and raise social equity concerns. This study investigates how Working from Home (WFH) and non-WFH groups influence car ownership reduction and the willingness to adopt sustainable transportation options. An online survey was conducted in Leeds, gathering data on socio-demographics, travel behaviours, and perceptions of public transport. The survey data was analysed using Chi-Square and Binary Logistic Regression to assess the relationship between WFH and travel demand management, focusing on shared mobility schemes and public transport adoption as ways to discourage car ownership. Results indicate that WFH can reduce car ownership and promote sustainable transport usage. These findings suggest that encouraging WFH could help boost participation in shared mobility schemes, enhance public transport utilisation, and ultimately lower car ownership.