Air pollution is most prevalent in densely populated areas due to vehicular traffic, distribution, and density of buildings, while increased traffic congestion and vehicular volume continue to exacerbate air quality. The purpose of this study was to uncover the psychological, social, and emotional factors that may influence urban dwellers’ transportation choices within the city of Seattle, United States. Individual motivations, barriers, perceptions, attitudes, and social pressures that play a key role in people’s decision-making emerged as a result of this research.

Based on a review of literature on air pollution, its impact on public health, and conservation psychology, it was determined that a qualitative study would capture people’s thoughts and opinions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with volunteers based in Seattle during the summer of 2019. Participants recruited for this study were required to be 18 years or older who traveled to Seattle three or more times per week for employment, entertainment, or if their primary residence was in the city. The individual in-person interviews explored participants’ transportation mode choices including driving, taking public transit, bicycling, walking, and carpooling. The top three favored transportation modes included driving, taking public transit, and cycling. The positionalities of the individuals were part of the motivation of their transportation mode choice, while the results revealed that flexibility, convenience, time spent traveling, accessibility to public transit, cost, and the state of mental and emotional strain also played a vital role in determining their decisions.