Evaluating the impact of telecommuting to reduce travel demand and reduce air pollution

In this study, the role of using online services and communication tools in reducing the demand for urban travel and its environmental consequences in Tehran was investigated. By designing a questionnaire including dimensions related to the use of ICT, travel reduction, attitude towards the role of technology in reducing air pollution, environmental concern and perceived barriers, data from 402 citizens were collected. Exploratory factor analysis confirmed five main factors that shape the conceptual structure of digital behavior and its impact on travel patterns. The results showed that the use of online services is the most important variable affecting the reduction of in-person travel, and a positive attitude towards the role of ICT in reducing air pollution also strengthens this effect. Environmental concern has a positive but moderate effect on travel reduction, and in contrast, barriers to the use of online services have a negative and significant effect on the travel reduction pattern. The regression model with an R² value of 0.65 showed that the set of factors under study were able to explain a significant part of the changes in travel demand reduction. The research findings confirm that developing digital infrastructure, improving the quality of online services, and reducing perceptual barriers can be considered by policymakers as an efficient strategy in managing travel demand and improving the environmental conditions of Tehran metropolis.