Abstract
The ways in which we travel—by what mode, for how long, and for what purpose—can affect our sense of happiness and well-being. This paper assesses the relationships between measures of the sustainability of transportation systems in U.S. metropolitan areas and subjective well-being. Associations between self-reported happiness levels from the Gallup Healthways Well-being Index and commute data were examined for 187 core-based statistical areas (CBSA). We also supplement this quantitative analysis through brief case studies of high- and low-performing happiness cities. Our quantitative results indicate that regions with higher commute mode shares by non-automobile modes generally had higher well-being scores, even when controlling for important economic predictors of happiness. We also find that pro-sustainable transportation policies can have implications for population-wide happiness and well-being. Our case studies indicate that both high and low scoring happiness cities demonstrate a dedicated commitment to improving sustainable transportation infrastructure. Our study suggests that cities that provide incentives for residents to use more sustainable commute modes may offer greater opportunity for happiness than those that do not.
Highlights
Cities and regions serve as hubs of production, distribution, and consumption of both material and non-material goods and services, thereby providing economic, environmental, social, and cultural opportunities for their residents
Model 1 contains only the economic control variables and commute time. It shows that unemployment ratio, median age, educational level, the proportion of foreign born, and disability are significantly associated with regional happiness and that commute time has a negative but insignificant effect on regional happiness
With respect to public transit, the Transportation Master Plan (TMP) called for a Renewed Vision for Transit, which aims to enhance high frequency services within the community and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) connections between communities
Summary
Cities and regions serve as hubs of production, distribution, and consumption of both material (e.g., land, buildings) and non-material goods and services (e.g., services of doctors, education), thereby providing economic, environmental, social, and cultural opportunities for their residents. Because these opportunities within regions are spatially diffuse, safe and efficient mobility is essential. It is important that we understand the urban transportation factors that affect regional quality of life, as reported through subjective well-being (SWB). Relevant academic studies can inform the design and retrofit of our future cities and neighborhoods to promote both a happy and sustainable future
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