Sustainable urban mobility transitions through working from home (WFH)

Abstract

This paper reports research aimed at understanding how working-from-home (WFH) can assist in a transition towards more sustainable urban mobility through travel reduction. A case study of Greater Perth, Western Australia reports empirical research conducted between 2021 and 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data is drawn from interviews with employers, a three-wave survey of employees, and transport and travel trends. Drawing on the data, the economic impact of this urban mobility transition is also estimated for a range of scenarios using transport modelling. The findings confirm a significant shift in the proportion of workers WFH for at least part of the week compared to pre-pandemic levels, a substantial reduction in commuting traffic with subsequent financial benefits, and a substantial improvement in life satisfaction provided by higher flexibility. These factors suggest that WFH can improve the liveability of cities and that transport policy should include strategies to encourage WFH to reduce travel demand.