Evaluation of Sustainable Behavior and Acceptance of Electric Public Transportation: A Perspective from the Philippines

Abstract

Rapid urbanization has exerted pressure for development on public transportation infrastructure. The rise in population has driven consumers to seek efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable transportation. The objective of this study was to assess the determinants influencing consumers’ behavioral intention and acceptance of utilizing electric public transportation. The integrated UTAUT2 and sustainable theory of planned behavior underwent a higher-order construct using partial least squares structural equation modeling analysis to thoroughly evaluate key factors influencing the intention to accept electric public transportation. The study utilized a 55-item questionnaire distributed to 438 respondents. The findings indicated that the domains of UTAUT2 had the most significant effect, with hedonic motivation as the predominant variable, followed by effort expectancy and performance expectancy. This study indicated hedonic motivation as the primary factor influencing the intention to use electric public transportation, followed by effort expectancy. This study highlights the importance of ensuring user-friendly and convenient experience in the design and delivery of electric public transportation services. Substantial implications, both theoretical and practical, are also posited. Considering the impactful variables, this study deduced that the government, transportation sectors, and electric vehicle developers should place increased emphasis on enhancing customers’ intention to accept and use public transport in a sustainable manner.