Will Telework Reduce Travel? An Evaluation of Empirical Evidence with Meta-Analysis
Telework emerged in the 1970s with the advent of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) as a potential substitute for commuting trips and an answer to avoid congestion. While early studies supported this substitution effect, subsequent research has presented contradictory findings, with so...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Urban Science |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2413-8851/9/6/199 |
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| author | Laísa Braga Kappler Rui Colaço Patrícia C. Melo João de Abreu e Silva |
| author_facet | Laísa Braga Kappler Rui Colaço Patrícia C. Melo João de Abreu e Silva |
| author_sort | Laísa Braga Kappler |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Telework emerged in the 1970s with the advent of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) as a potential substitute for commuting trips and an answer to avoid congestion. While early studies supported this substitution effect, subsequent research has presented contradictory findings, with some studies demonstrating complementary effects and increased travel distances, while others show a reduction in travel or mixed results. These discrepancies may arise from methodological differences in study design, sampling, and modeling approaches. To analyze these factors, a systematic literature review complemented by three meta-analyses was developed. OLS and GLS-RE models were built to measure telework impacts on the number of trips (total and by purpose), commuting distance, and total distance traveled. Our research suggests that while telework reduces commuting and business trips, particularly for full-time teleworkers, it may increase commuting distances. Total distance traveled presents mixed results, heavily dependent on research design. By identifying these patterns, we outline methodological directions for future research, including improved sampling strategies, advanced modeling techniques, and rigorous control variable selection. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-d472b52fca7446bd97046bfea8fe0c71 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2413-8851 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Urban Science |
| spelling | doaj-art-d472b52fca7446bd97046bfea8fe0c712025-08-20T03:26:56ZengMDPI AGUrban Science2413-88512025-06-019619910.3390/urbansci9060199Will Telework Reduce Travel? An Evaluation of Empirical Evidence with Meta-AnalysisLaísa Braga Kappler0Rui Colaço1Patrícia C. Melo2João de Abreu e Silva3CERIS, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1, 1049-001 Lisbon, PortugalCERIS, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1, 1049-001 Lisbon, PortugalREM/UECE & ISEG-Lisbon School of Economics and Management, University of Lisbon, Rua do Quelhas, 6, 1200-781 Lisbon, PortugalCERIS, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1, 1049-001 Lisbon, PortugalTelework emerged in the 1970s with the advent of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) as a potential substitute for commuting trips and an answer to avoid congestion. While early studies supported this substitution effect, subsequent research has presented contradictory findings, with some studies demonstrating complementary effects and increased travel distances, while others show a reduction in travel or mixed results. These discrepancies may arise from methodological differences in study design, sampling, and modeling approaches. To analyze these factors, a systematic literature review complemented by three meta-analyses was developed. OLS and GLS-RE models were built to measure telework impacts on the number of trips (total and by purpose), commuting distance, and total distance traveled. Our research suggests that while telework reduces commuting and business trips, particularly for full-time teleworkers, it may increase commuting distances. Total distance traveled presents mixed results, heavily dependent on research design. By identifying these patterns, we outline methodological directions for future research, including improved sampling strategies, advanced modeling techniques, and rigorous control variable selection.https://www.mdpi.com/2413-8851/9/6/199systematic literature reviewmeta-analysisteleworktravel behavior |
| spellingShingle | Laísa Braga Kappler Rui Colaço Patrícia C. Melo João de Abreu e Silva Will Telework Reduce Travel? An Evaluation of Empirical Evidence with Meta-Analysis Urban Science systematic literature review meta-analysis telework travel behavior |
| title | Will Telework Reduce Travel? An Evaluation of Empirical Evidence with Meta-Analysis |
| title_full | Will Telework Reduce Travel? An Evaluation of Empirical Evidence with Meta-Analysis |
| title_fullStr | Will Telework Reduce Travel? An Evaluation of Empirical Evidence with Meta-Analysis |
| title_full_unstemmed | Will Telework Reduce Travel? An Evaluation of Empirical Evidence with Meta-Analysis |
| title_short | Will Telework Reduce Travel? An Evaluation of Empirical Evidence with Meta-Analysis |
| title_sort | will telework reduce travel an evaluation of empirical evidence with meta analysis |
| topic | systematic literature review meta-analysis telework travel behavior |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2413-8851/9/6/199 |
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