It's not just about time, It's also about predictability: A dual-pathway model linking commute predictability to satisfaction

Introduction Why do so many people find their commutes to be a negative experience and what can be done to improve their satisfaction? This study challenges the conventional focus in the literature on objective features of the commute, such as duration, proposing that additional answers lie within the psychology of uncertainty. Specifically, we propose a novel dual-pathway model to test how commute predictability impacts commute satisfaction, not just by mitigating the negative (i.e., stress), but also by enhancing the positive (i.e., perceived autonomy) aspects of the commute. Methods A three-wave survey design was employed to minimize common method variance, with a final sample of 379 full-time employees who commute at least two days a week. Results Commute predictability predicted commute satisfaction, beyond the effects of commute duration, due to enhanced perceived autonomy during the commute. The effect via reduced commute-related stress was no longer significant when controlling for commute duration. Conclusions These results reframe transport reliability not merely as an operational goal, but as a powerful lever for improving commuter well-being and public mental health by allowing commuters to proactively manage their cognitive and emotional resources during the transition between life domains. This research has implications for policymakers and employers: improving the predictability of the commute is a tangible and effective strategy for enhancing commuter well-being and fostering a more resourceful workforce.