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Article History

Received: 5 November 2025

Accepted: 10 March 2026

First Online: 1 April 2026

Declarations

:

: There is no conflict of interest.

: As this study is a systematic review based exclusively on previously published literature, it did not involve human participants or primary data collection. Consequently, formal ethical approval was not required.

: This study is a systematic literature review based exclusively on previously published and publicly available sources. It does not involve the collection of primary data, human participants, or personal identifiable information. Consequently, formal ethical approval was not required. All data supporting the findings of this review are derived from the cited literature, and no new datasets were generated or analysed.

: This study systematically examines how environmental determinants influence mode choice in first- and last-mile (FLM) connectivity, adopting the PRISMA 2020 framework for systematic reviews. A comprehensive search of Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar identified 650 unique records, of which 57 empirical studies were retained following transparent screening, eligibility assessment, and quality appraisal. Rather than treating environmental factors in isolation, the review applies a six-domain analytical structure encompassing environmental conditions, socio-demographic characteristics, built environment attributes, transport service features, psychological mechanisms, technological influences, and policy frameworks, with environmental exposure positioned as the triggering layer interacting with the other domains.The synthesis combines directional effect analysis and frequency-weighted evidence mapping to assess how environmental determinants affect FLM mode choice. Results show that micro-climatic conditions, environmental quality, and infrastructure continuity exert consistent, proximate influences on FLM decisions, particularly regarding walking, cycling, and public transport access. These effects operate through behavioural mechanisms including attitudinal evaluation, perceived behavioural control, habit disruption, and comfort thresholds. They are strongly conditioned by service availability, socio-demographic vulnerability, technological adaptability, and policy context. While findings are broadly consistent across regions, evidence from the Global South remains limited, and substantial heterogeneity persists in how environmental effects are operationalised and quantified.By aligning empirical findings with behavioural theory and cross-domain interaction, the review advances a segment-specific, behaviourally grounded framework for understanding environmental influences on FLM mode choice. The results offer actionable insights for climate-responsive transport planning, highlighting the need to integrate dynamic environmental indicators into FLM modelling, infrastructure design, and policy interventions.Travel Behaviour; Mode Choice; Socio-demographic Factors; Built Environment; Transport Infrastructure; Attitudinal Factors; Shared Mobility; Transit-Oriented Development.