Public Transport Services Research Articles

‘They Collected Money and Used Hammer to Remove My Front teeth’: ‘One-Chance’ Criminality and Victimisation Experiences in Lagos Transport Corridors

ABSTRACT “One-chance” criminality has become public transport threat in Lagos State where passengers are trapped through deceit, robbed, and victimized by individuals or groups pretending to offer public transportation services. Understanding the strategies and victimization experiences may help illuminate this phenomenon toward developing preventive cues and appropriate institutional response. This study, therefore examines “one-chance” strategies and the victimization experiences of passengers in Lagos public transportation corridors. The Routine Activities Theory (RAT) is used to explain the phenomenon using exploratory research design. The snowball technique was used to reach victims of one-chance robbery who responded to in-depth interview guide questions which probed into the strategies, victimization experiences and coping strategies. Findings show that timing, disguise/deception, taking unusual routes, tampering with the vehicle central lock, reworking the seatbelt, and winding up glasses are methods adopted by the one-chance robbery perpetrators to victimize. Physical assaults (beating with all kinds of weapons, sexual assaults, and forced pushing out of the vehicle at top speed which could lead to the victim’s disability or death) and loss of valuables (dispossession of jewelleries, monies, and phones). Participants increased vigilance before boarding, hailing a private taxi and instrumentalised religion for protection as coping strategies. The study provokes mapping of “one-chance” hot-spots by law enforcement authorities and routine adjustment for commuters.

Infrastructure development recommendation for traditional market to promote economic growth: A case study of Landungsari traditional market

The Landungsari Traditional Market is intended to serve as a major economic engine for the local area. This community service aims to assist in assessing the conditions of infrastructure and facilities in the Traditional Market of Landungsari since the availability and quality of infrastructure and facilities play a significant role in supporting the sustainable growth of the traditional market. The factors in question include the physical state of the buildings, the availability of utility infrastructure, the availability of essential public facilities, and the market’s accessibility. The study's findings were presented as suggestions for infrastructure improvement that could be used as a guide for the local government to further enhance the market's physical features. Visual assessment revealed that while the market's structure is generally in good condition, several of its components require maintenance and repair. This market needs to make improvements in terms of utility systems since it only satisfies around 25% of the standard requirements. Furthermore, as only 71% of the market's essential public facilities have been provided, additional facility development was necessary. Even though the market's building and facilities have been given adequate access, it is recommended to perform improvements in terms of wider market aisles, the addition of wheelchair-accessible pathways, and the provision of public transportation services to achieve a higher level of market accessibility.

A Case Study on Reducing Traffic Congestion–Proposals to Improve Current Conditions

Traffic congestion has been considered one of the most serious global issues confronting all nations in recent years. Basrah City’s highways in general, and particularly the highways surrounding and leading to the University of Basrah, the campus of Bab Azzubair, and the college complex, have experienced traffic congestion and higher delays. The focus of this study is to propose some solutions to mitigate traffic congestion and higher delays on these highways. Field traffic data and questionnaires where SPSS was used to analyse the collected data, and Highway Capacity Software (HCS 2010) was used to assess the level of service (LOS) on the highways. The results showed that the LOS reaches level F on Baghdad Street, while other streets range from level B to level C. Two proposals have been suggested to improve the LOS on Baghdad Street: (1) applying a park-and-ride system; and (2) widening Baghdad Street by adding two lanes in each direction. The LOS for both proposals has been evaluated, and the results showed that the first proposal performed better. The analysis of the collected data also showed that public transportation services are very limited on the highways surrounding and leading to the Bab Azzubair campus. Therefore, public transportation services should be promoted and enhanced in Basrah City. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2023-09-10-07 Full Text: PDF

Passenger’s intention to use and loyalty towards public transport: A literature review

Public transport (PT) plays a vital role in an urban transport system since it can alleviate traffic congestion, air pollution and traffic accidents, thus promoting urban sustainability. In many countries, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, encouraging the mode shift from private vehicles to PT as well as retaining the current PT users are a challenge. One reason can be the lack of understanding about the aspects of PT services that affect the behavioural intention of users. This study reviews a growing body of peer-reviewed literature examining factors affecting the loyalty intention of PT users and factors influencing the intention to use of non-users. The methodological approach adopted to investigate these factors is also reviewed. The findings are very useful not only for authorities to develop comprehensive strategies aimed at enhancing PT ridership but also for scholars to extend key insights in this area.

The study of social inclusion and gender equality on public transport satisfaction: Case of Metropolitan Jakarta

Three types of mass transit services have been developed in Jakarta metropolitan area; however, it was found that the majority 80% of commuters are still using private vehicles. This paper aims to explore the reasons why most commuters are still preferring to opt using private vehicles. A total of 23 attributes concerning the quality of public transport services have been investigated by conducting surveys and collecting data. As result, even majority of users mentioned that they are satisfied with the overall quality of the mass of transit, they are still hoping for improvement in some services attributes. Also, female passengers and teenagers consider security officer presence as one of the attributes needed to be improved. To enhance social inclusion and promote gender equality, practical strategies are recommended such as discounts and improvement of feeder service, special wagon for female and youth passengers, and adjusted schedules to conform with school time.

The Minibus Taxi Industry’s Communication Strategies in Dealing with Linguistic Diversity on the Way to Business Leadership: The Case of South Africa

Informal businesses, such as the minibus taxi industry, positively contribute to the country’s economy whilst providing an essential public transport service to the linguistically diverse communities of multilingual South Africa. The systematisation of the scientific literature on the development of the minibus taxi industry proved the absence of comprehensive studies aimed at understanding the communication strategies that taxi operators use among themselves and when interacting with passengers. This paper aims to investigate the types of language strategies that take place in six taxi associations in which IsiZulu and English are the two dominant languages. This investigation is conducted against the multilingual context of the country and its attractiveness as an international and domestic tourist destination to determine how the business leadership in the taxi industry responds. The article’s theoretical framework draws from the transformative paradigm as it enables one to explore the experiences of marginalised communities. In this case, the marginalised communities are the taxi operators who stand to benefit from appropriate communication strategies. By taking the initiative and showing “agency”, they direct their efforts to solve existing problems in communication with passengers. The qualitative approach was adopted as a research methodology in which the researcher selected a structured interview approach. It involved interviews with twenty-four taxi operators and drivers who were purposefully selected in eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. The participants gave an account of their experiences of bi-/multilingualism in the taxi industry during taxi association meetings, when interacting informally among themselves and in their communication with passengers. The results of the analysis of the responses of the respondents showed that the communication strategies used to mediate challenges posed by linguistic diversity are translation, interpretation, slang and language dominance. It is concluded that through their agency and by taking initiatives to deal with linguistic challenges in the eThekwini taxi industry, the economically marginalised are to be commended for being able to resolve impediments to their economic growth.

OPTIMIZATION OF THE STRUCTURE OF THE FLEET OF TRACKLESS VEHICLES SERVING URBAN PASSENGER ROUTES BASED ON THE RESULTS OF MATHEMATICAL MODELING

The article analyzes scientific works aimed at improving the efficiency of urban passenger transport systems, its results are presented. The importance of the structural parameters of the rolling stock as an element determining the quality and efficiency of the transport process is noted. In terms of the development of existing developments, a set of methods is proposed that allow mathematical modeling of passenger flows of urban passenger transport routes and indicators of the efficiency of servicing these routes by a fleet with specified structural parameters. Based on the simulation results, the areas of effective use of various types of transport and categories of vehicles are determined. The obtained data can be used as initial information in determining the optimal structural parameters of the fleet of vehicles serving urban passenger routes.
 Purpose – improving the efficiency of the urban passenger transport complex on the basis of optimizing the structural parameters of the fleet of vehicles.
 Methodology: during the research, the following methods were used: theory of technical operation of cars; methods of technical and economic analysis; theory of operational properties of cars; probability theory; methods of mathematical analysis; theory of management of socio-technical systems.
 Results: a set of interrelated methods has been developed that allow to simulate passenger flows of urban passenger routes and determine key performance indicators for the operation of various modes of transport and categories of vehicles. The values of annual traffic volumes determining the areas of their effective application are determined.
 Practical implications: research and practical activities in the field of organization of public transport services by urban passenger public transport.

Changes in Transport Service for the Kartuzy Poviat in Poland in the Years 1990–2023

In many areas of Poland, areas of transport exclusion related to the lack of public transport service or insufficient offer are identified. After 1989, when Poland underwent political transformation and consequent economic transformation, funding for bus and rail transport collapsed. While rail transport experienced a significant regression in connections, regional bus transport can be said to have been completely eliminated. On the map of the whole of Poland, Kartuzy poviat is an exception, where the role of the carrier has been taken over by a private company which offers transport services at a level corresponding to demand, thus positively influencing the transport habits of the inhabitants. The article examines the change in the offer in bus and rail transport in Kartuzy poviat in the years 1990-2023 and shows that the private bus carrier performs tasks that should de facto rest with the state authorities.

Inclusivity of ICT Based Solutions to Public Transportation Problems: Challenges and Opportunities for Bloemfontein

Promoting information and communication technologies as mobility and transportation accessibility solutions in efforts to achieve sustainable transportation excludes socioeconomic vulnerability. ICT-related efforts do not meet the mobility and accessibility needs of every single group in society, resulting in socioeconomic exclusion for specific groups of people. Social exclusion disadvantages vulnerable social groups in society's mobility, while limited mobility reduces access to activities for disadvantaged groups; travel for job hunting, education, work, and health facilities further increases these groups' physical isolation. The need to travel for activities, services, and basic goods for human consumption such as food, water, and medication must be addressed by developing inclusive transportation systems. Through tele-activities, e-payments, security and surveillance, among other components adaptable to travel and mobility, technological solutions have been at the forefront of prescriptions to transportation problems. However, they remain inaccessible to some of society. The study investigates whether inclusive, sustainable public transportation can be fully realized in developing countries by utilizing technology-based travel behavior solutions. It also investigates the effectiveness of ICT solutions to travel, mobility, and accessibility issues in a South African city with a relatively traditional public transportation system. The study considers socioeconomic travel processes as well as travel behavior constructs to inclusivity in order to weigh the prospects of equitable provision of ICT-enabled public transportation services in the developing world. This study discovered that travelers have smartphone access; however, the purposes of smartphones are not directly related to travel and transportation. Furthermore, public transportation service providers do not have an online presence. Overall, for ICT-enabled public transportation to thrive in developing countries, accessible technologies such as calls and SMS that do not require internet access must be considered.

The value of green infrastructure to property prices: Evidence from the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

Green infrastructure supports residential choice, provides sustainable transport and contributes to liveable neighbourhoods. This study investigates the value of green infrastructure, defined as built environment features (e.g., green spaces, beaches), facilities (e.g., fitness equipment in parks) and sustainable transport infrastructure (e.g., heavy rail, light rail and bus), to property prices in the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia as a case study. The main difference of this study from previous ones is the evaluation scope is not limited or attached to a particular transport infrastructure project but instead considers a whole city. The impacts of green infrastructure are measured taking account of geographical differences across the city using a multi-level regression modelling approach to identify the implicit value of green infrastructure in residential property prices. The results suggest only those elements of green infrastructure that can provide a direct service to people (e.g., fitness equipment) are positively valued. Importantly from a sustainable transport perspective, the current public transport network and services have a negative impact on property price suggesting public transport might not be meeting property owners’ expectations. The paper discusses the implications of the model results for literature and policy on green infrastructure.

Does docked bike-sharing usage complement or overlap public transport? the case of Brussels, Belgium

ABSTRACT This paper complements the existing literature on Bike Share Schemes (BSS) by investigating their use from a spatiotemporal perspective to assess their relationship with public transport (PT). We address these questions through the case of Brussels and its long-standing docked BSS ‘Villo!’. Our study analyses comprehensive (consecutive 12 months) and disaggregated (station level) data on rentals and returns and finds that Villo! is used mostly in dense (although not all) districts also well served by PT. However, temporal structures suggest Villo! overtakes PT at night in vibrant districts and possibly in selected districts with lower PT services over weekends. In addition, Villo! stations at key PT hubs usually do not show specific temporal patterns, which suggests intermodality may work at all times during PT operations. There could be an evening peak effect combined with the Brussels’ topography, but this needs to be confirmed by on-site surveys.

How do attitudes and impacts of Covid-19 affect demand for microtransit?

The Covid-19 pandemic dramatically reduced demand for public transportation and other shared mobility services. While some studies have indicated that this lowered demand may continue for some time post-pandemic, more affordable forms of shared mobility may be more likely to rebound faster. In this paper, we concentrate on the likely effect of pandemic-related attitudes on one such service: microtransit. We applied quantitative and qualitative methods to assess this question on a behavioral survey applied to 2,400 residents in four diverse United States cities: Miami, Washington D.C., Minneapolis, and Seattle. The purpose of this survey was to investigate interest in a hypothetical microtransit, or on-demand, first-mile/last-mile shuttle service. We find no correlation between Covid-19 impact and interest in microtransit using structural equation modeling. Choice modeling applied on hypothetical mode choice experiments shows a positive correlation between the chances of choosing it in hypothetical scenarios and a general propensity to use shared mobility during the pandemic, but not on other pandemic-related attitudes. Finally, a qualitative analysis shows there is hardly any relation between open-ended responses related to microtransit and the pandemic. These results suggest that the pandemic may not have such a large impact on shared mobility as expected. Based on our findings, it is possible that services such as microtransit could see demand at or above pre-pandemic levels. We recommend transit agencies assess any expected demand shifts with as much information as possible, as it is possible that demand for services such as microtransit will rebound to pre-pandemic levels comparatively quickly.

Balancing Economic Sustainability with Densification: A Case Study of Dhaka

Economically sustainable urban residential neighborhoods are characterized by adequate provision of physical infrastructure including transport facilities and utility services. The built urban fabric of residential areas of Dhaka has been undergoing densification operation over the past decades without considering the physical infrastructure capacity of these areas in terms of accessibility and provision of transportation and utility services. This intervention eventually exerted pressure on the existing infrastructure and caused negative externalities like traffic congestion, pollution, and water clogging. Thus, this paper aims to investigate the impact of densification on residential areas of Dhaka through the lens of economic sustainability. Seven residential areas from Old and New Dhaka that underwent various degreesof densification were selected as the study areas. Primary data was collected through a random sampling household questionnaire survey, fieldwork, and informal qualitative interviews with the residents and officials. Various published literature, newspaper articles, plans, and reports from government archives, Capital Development Authority (RAJUK), Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), and Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) provided the secondary data. The analysis is carried out in two parts. In the firstpart the impact of densification on accessibility to transportation facilities and utility services is analyzed in terms of availability of the services, distance to the bus stops, average travel time, modal choice, and residents’ satisfaction level. The second part explores the relationship between density and aspects of economic sustainability through Pearson’s correlation test. The findings revealed that public transportation is more accessible in lower-density areas than the higher-density residential areas owing to the road network pattern. A significant service delivery gap except for water supply was observed regarding the provision and quality of gas, electricity, sewerage, and garbage disposal services across all the study areas. Overall, density was found to have a negative association with the accessibility to physical infrastructures indicating that high-density residential areas of Dhaka do not have increased access to public transport and utility services which is contrary to the expected benefits of high-density living. A comprehensive density planning with an integrated sustainable transport plan needs to be formulated where viable public transport like Bus Rapid Transit (BRTs) systems and waterways may mitigate the situation from further worsening.

The Relationship between the Evaluation of Public Transport Services and Travel-Based CO2 Emissions from Private Transport Modes in Regional and Metropolitan Areas in Japan

Promoting public transport use is expected to contribute to reducing CO2 emissions in the transport sector. Using Okayama City and Central Tokyo as representative case studies of regional and metropolitan areas in Japan, this study examines the impact of the evaluation of the ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ attributes of rail and bus services on the overall evaluation. This study then explores the relationship between the overall evaluation and usage frequency of rail and bus services, as well as the relationship between the usage frequency and travel-based CO2 emissions from private transport modes. Furthermore, this study investigates whether the emissions cause differences in the evaluation of the ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ attributes of public transport services. The findings suggest prioritising an improvement in ‘hard’ rather than ‘soft’ attributes in order to reduce emissions through the use of public transport in regional areas. However, in metropolitan areas, no relationship was found between the evaluation of public transport services and emissions, presumably because of the lower ownership rate of private cars that residents can use freely and the markedly higher level of rail and bus services. This study provides a methodological reference for analysing the potential to reduce travel-based emissions from private transport modes by enhancing public transport service contents.

Examining Safety & Security, Reliability and Punctuality of Public Transportation Quality Services: Cases of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Urban public transportation in Kuala Lumpur rely heavily on land-based transportation such as taxis, grab, and buses as well as rail-based transportation, namely commuter trains, light rapid transit (LRT), and mass rapid transit (MRT). The metropolitan town of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital city with approximately 10 million people, has boosted the transportation demand. Thus, this paper examines the public transportation service quality issue of safety and security, reliability, and punctuality. Several points and actions would serve as foundations for service providers in improving public transportation services. This secondary study employs relevant information through secondary channels: journal papers, the internet, newspaper, magazines, and books. It offers an understanding of public transportation issues in Kuala Lumpur. Interestingly, findings indicated that safety & security, reliability, and punctuality are prominent in influencing the quality of public transportation quality service. Suggestions for future research were given to enhance the study further.

Reliable dynamic wireless charging infrastructure deployment problem for public transport services

Dynamic wireless power transfer (DWPT) technology offers the promise of eliminating the limited driving range of electric buses (EBs), providing greater convenience and safety benefits through the ability to charge EBs in motion. It may be possible to effectively circumvent the drawbacks of EBs such that it becomes mainstream in the future EB market. In this paper, we study the robust DWPT deployment problem for an EB system, aiming to determine the DWPT facility deployment, battery size, and en-route charging schedule simultaneously. We first formulate the deterministic problem as a novel mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model. Next, we consider the energy consumption uncertainty and travel time uncertainty to develop a two-stage robust model. We further analyze the structural properties of our proposed model, and implement the column-and-constraint generation (C&CG) method to solve it optimally. Finally, a series of experiments based on a test bus network and the National University of Singapore internal bus network are carried out to verify the efficiency and effectiveness of our models and algorithms. Some managerial insights are also provided that public transit (PT) operators could use to enhance the efficiency of the EB system in the future.

Switching intention, WOM and quality of public transport services: A case of the Kuala Lumpur conurbation

Despite spending billions of dollars on urban transport infrastructure, Malaysia has a poor reputation for its public transit service. Consequently, the majority of urban residents continue to rely on their cars. Hence, this paper aims to understand commuters’ intention to switch from private vehicles to public transit and spread word-of-mouth (WOM) about its services and assess the roles of satisfaction and service quality as antecedents. A cross-sectional survey of 421 rail and bus passengers was undertaken in Kuala Lumpur's urban and sub-urban areas, and the data was analyzed using SmartPLS. According to the data, empathy is the strongest predictor of satisfaction with transit services. Except for reliability, the service quality characteristics influence satisfaction and yield positive indirect effects on both switching intention and WOM. Transit operators and planners should take into account that providing a pleasant and hassle-free riding experience has a substantial impact on commuter satisfaction and long-term commitment. This study contributed to the body of knowledge by exploring the intervention role of satisfaction in the relationship between service quality and switching intention, as well as WOM.

Urban road cyclability: indicators for the municipality of Belo Horizonte - MG, Brazil

How people move around in large Brazilian cities reflects a process of production and appropriation of urban space. The transport system is characterised by the increasing rate of individual motorisation and the precariousness of public transport services. The general objective of this paper is to evaluate the level of road cycling in the city of Belo Horizonte/Minas Gerais/Brazil, based on the proposition and analysis of indicators to assess the degree of adequacy of urban roads for bicycle use as a transport mode. The results indicate that many of the roads in Belo Horizonte have good cycling levels. Given its topography and climate, these findings go against commonly held views that consider the municipality inappropriate for cycling as a mode of transport. In reality, Belo Horizonte has a very underused high cycling potential, especially if there were investments to expand the exclusive/preferred road infrastructure.

Assessing Public Transport Supply Quality: A Comparative Analysis of Analytical Network Process and Analytical Hierarchy Process

This paper delves into the realm of public transport system enhancement, a critical consideration for decision makers due to its profound impact on citizens' lives and government in-vestments. The primary objective is to assess the quality of public bus transport supply and identify the most effective improvements to heighten passenger satisfaction and attract new users. To accomplish this goal, two prominent multi-criteria decision-making approaches, namely the Analytical Network Process (ANP) and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), were employed, leveraging a dynamic questionnaire survey. The ANP method, recognized for its robustness, takes into account the interrelationships and feedback among various criteria levels, offering a systematic evaluation framework. In contrast, the AHP method overlooks these factors. The adoption of both methods was crucial in obtaining a comprehensive under-standing of experts' perceptions regarding public transport service quality. To illustrate the practical implementation of these approaches, an empirical study was conducted using a re-al-life case. This study serves as a testament to the efficacy of these decision-making methods and underscores their value in the decision-making process. Ultimately, this paper under-scores the significance of prioritizing public transport system improvements as a means to en-rich citizens' lives and bolster government investments.

A comprehensive analysis of the electronic fare collection systems effectiveness implementation on public transit and prospective directions of its application in Ukraine

The object of research is the effectiveness of the implementation of electronic fare collection systems on public transit. Applying the electronic fare collection systems is a general trend in improving public transport services for users. In the pre-war period, the systems began to be implemented in many cities of Ukraine. At the same time, this activity was not of a systemic nature and at the current stage it is mainly considered as a means of ensuring more convenient conditions for the use of scheduled passenger transport services for passengers. The article focuses on a broader understanding of the effectiveness of the fare collection systems implementation, their role in ensuring the internal integration of the multi-modal public transport system, increasing the operational efficiency, providing the safety of transportation and increasing the attractiveness of public transit services for the population as a real alternative for the private cars to use. The implementation efficiency of the electronic fare collection systems in public transit should be expressed through various aspects. There are 9 aspects to be considered: system integration; comfort ensuring; transportation safety assistance; operational efficiency and passengers' travel time reduction; integration into the management and planning systems; implementation of the flexible fare system; conduction of the flexible fare policy; development of reasonable income distribution system; increase of the scheduled passenger transport services attractiveness. It is suggested to use systemic approach for integrated multimodal public transit system creation. It requires the development of an intelligent transport system that would integrate separate functions of the electronic fare collection system into controlling, managing and planning subsystems. The practical introduction of the solutions proposed regarding the prospects to develop electronic fare collection systems in the cities of Ukraine will make it possible to increase the efficiency of their use and contribute to the improvement of the quality of transport services for passengers.