PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the dimensionality of relational benefits in public bike sharing (PBS) and explore the mediating role of user satisfaction and engagement on the linkage between relational benefits and continuance intention.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a mixed method approach. Data were collected using convenience sampling technique from 411 users of PBS in Bhubaneswar, India. In the first part of the study, in-depth interviews were conducted to identify a set of relational benefits for scale development. In the second part, CB-SEM was used to establish the reliability and validity of the scale and test the hypotheses linking relational benefits with user satisfaction, engagement and continuance intention.FindingsThe analysis suggests that relational benefit is a second order construct having five distinct yet related dimensions namely economic, convenience, environmental, identity related and health and safety benefits. Also, the impact of relational benefits on continuance intention is positively and significantly mediated through user satisfaction and engagement.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is conducted in only one Indian city and is limited to PBS, which, is one of the elements of green transportation and does not cover other modes of transportation. Therefore, generalization of findings beyond this region and the mode of transportation should be done with caution.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the extant management literature by examining the mediating role of user satisfaction and engagement on the linkage between relational benefits and continuance intention which is an unexplored area of research. The study adds to existing knowledge by exploring the dimensionality of relational benefits in PBS context.
