As corporations face increasing pressure to meet sustainability targets and alleviate regional traffic congestion, understanding employee commuting behavior has become a critical management concern. Traditional mobility policies often fall short due to the diverse and complex motivations behind commuting choices. This thesis investigates how different employee segments in the Netherlands perceive enablers and barriers in their commuting decisions, aiming to inform more targeted and effective mobility strategies.

A mixed-method approach was employed. Quantitatively, the study analyzed the Landelijk Reizigersonderzoek (LRO) dataset using Latent Class Analysis (LCA), which is well-suited for identifying commuter segments based on categorical survey data. This analysis revealed distinct profiles among car, public transport, and bicycle users, highlighting significant variation even within the same mode of transport. For instance, car commuters ranged from cost-sensitive individuals to convenience-driven and disengaged habitual drivers. Public transport users included both financially motivated long-distance travelers and those prioritizing convenience, while cyclists emphasized practical facilities, with secure bike storage emerging as a key enabler.

Complementing this, a qualitative case study at ASML involved semi-structured interviews to explore the lived experiences of commuters. This revealed nuanced insights, such as the psychological role of commuting as a buffer between work and home, and the stress induced by traffic congestion and parking challenges. The “last mile” emerged as a critical barrier to public transport adoption, with inefficient final connections significantly reducing its appeal. Social influences and financial considerations also played context-dependent roles in shaping commuting behavior.

The findings underscore the need for mobility policies that reflect the segmented nature of commuter motivations rather than relying on demographic generalizations. Effective strategies must consider the entire door-to-door journey, as a single inconvenience can undermine broader policy goals. Moreover, perceived fairness and the availability of viable alternatives are essential for policy acceptance.

Based on these insights, the thesis recommends several actions for ASML and similar organizations. Addressing the last mile requires collaboration with municipalities and exploring remote office hubs. Financial incentives should be optimized, maintaining high-impact subsidies while recognizing the limited effect of smaller reimbursements. Parking management should shift toward fairness and demand regulation, with investments favoring sustainable alternatives like premium carpool spots. Finally, unlocking the potential of carpooling and other alternatives may require innovations such as a “Mobility Guarantee” to enhance flexibility.