ASSESSING PERCEPTIONS TOWARDS PUBLIC BUS SERVICE AMONG THE CAR USERS IN ISKANDAR MALAYSIA

Abstract

Encouraging car users to bus use has been a central topic to control the deteriorating traffic condition. In this light, Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) has deployed extensive investments in order to improve public bus service on its connectivity, service time and etc. Nevertheless, low bus ridership remains and car use is the main contributor of vehicular activity. Under this premise, various scholars have highlighted distorted perceptions towards bus use as a barrier to promote modal shift from car to bus use. An empirical study is necessary to examine the factors that shape distorted perceptions towards bus use among the car users in Iskandar Malaysia. Therefore, this research aims to assessing perceptions towards public bus service among the car users in Iskandar Malaysia. In order to assess car users’ perceptions, online questionnaire survey was conducted with sample size of 102. Car users who reside in residential neighbourhoods within 910 meters radius and nearby bus stops along Trans Iskandar BeXTRA Route BET3 were targeted as key respondents. Generalized Linear Model (GLM) is utilized in order to identify significant perceived variables that influence bus use among the car users. Results from GLM show the significant perceived variables in relation to bus use are twofold: affective i.e. safety (from crimes) and instrumental i.e. bus network, costs and bus stop facilities. Results of this research prove that perceptions in relation to instrumental and affective variables are influential to promote modal shift from car to bus use. Therefore, understanding car users’ perceptions may assist in modal shift to bus use.