Revisiting commuting, built environment and happiness: New evidence on a nonlinear relationship

Abstract

Numerous studies have identified the determinants of happiness. However, the literature provides scant evidence on the potential nonlinear relationships between built environment (BE) and commuting duration and happiness. Using survey data of 7837 respondents from 327 Chinese communities, this study applies a gradient boosting decision tree method to investigate the nonlinear relationships of BE and commuting duration with happiness, and how the nonlinear patterns of commuting duration vary across modes. The results suggest that compared with commuting duration (6.71%) and specific BE characteristics (ranging between 4.77% and 8.86%), household income has the largest relative contribution (14.57%). All BE characteristics show a nonlinear relationship with happiness. The commuting duration shows nonlinear relationships with happiness, and the nonlinear patterns vary across commuting modes. These findings identify effective the range of BE and commuting duration in affecting happiness. Therefore, transport practitioners and urban planners should deliberate on land use and transportation policies to promote happiness.