Exploring changes in the frequency of public transport use among residents who move to outer suburban greenfield estates

Abstract

This paper explores changes in the frequency of public transport use among residents who have moved to outer suburban greenfield estates and factors that are associated with these changes. A survey of 352 residents living in two outer suburban estates in Melbourne was undertaken, along with 30 semi-structured interviews with residents in the estates. Results showed that one-third of survey respondents (33%) reported a decrease in public transport use after moving, while 21% reported an increase and almost half (46%) reported no change. A significantly poorer level of built environment and public transport service quality at the new estates was also found compared with respondents’ previous residential locations. Binary logistic regression results adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics showed that using public transport at least once a week before moving, and agreement with the statement that there is no suitable public transport near home, were strongly associated with a decrease in public transport use upon moving. The findings suggest that while public transport service quality is undoubtedly critical in facilitating public transport use in new estates, having a supportive built environment is also important, along with knowledge of future residents’ previous use of public transport and reasons for not using public transport.