How to stimulate users’ ridesharing intention and behavior? Evidence from structural and multi-group analyses

This study develops a novel theoretical framework to explore the different paths of basic needs and advanced needs on users’ ridesharing intention and ridesharing behavior. Employing partial least squares structural equation modeling and multi-group analysis, questionnaire responses from 1044 users in China were empirically evaluated. The results show that basic needs influence ridesharing intention and ridesharing behavior mediated through psychological factors, while advanced needs directly stimulate ridesharing intention and ridesharing behavior. Factors of basic needs have a greater impact on ridesharing intention and ridesharing behavior than those of advanced needs. Additionally, the effects of the same factor on ridesharing intention and ridesharing behavior vary among users with different genders, ages, incomes, and education levels. Finally, we propose a framework for implementing ridesharing intervention strategies. The aforementioned findings can contribute to the development of specific measures for ride-sourcing platforms and policymakers, thereby playing a significant role in guiding ridesharing at the national level.