Transport Users Research Articles

An Inclusive Public Transport System for Riders Wearing Religious Attire

Ensuring an inclusive and equitable public transport system remains a major challenge for many cities. Spaces in crowded terminals and vehicles can compel riders to interact close to each other. Some evidence shows that public transport users from racial- or ethnic-minority groups, especially individuals who wear religious attire, often encounter higher rates of discrimination and harassment. The present study contributes to the limited knowledge on their travel experiences by providing insights into perceived personal security and ridership frequency, specifically focusing on riders who wear religious attire. This study uses data involving 524 participants from an online survey administered in Auckland, New Zealand. Results showed that racial and ethnic groups are dependent on public transport in their daily lives, and those who wear religious attire are often frequent riders. Findings show statistically significant differences in perceived personal security between those who wear religious attire and others. Individuals with a religious appearance express greater concern about their personal security while riding public transport and are found to avoid using it during off-peak hours. These findings provide evidence that such groups are marginalized because of their appearance. Othering behaviors do not go unnoticed and can create a hostile environment for public transport users who wear religious attire. Findings from this study add to the growing evidence that an inclusive environment is necessary for all riders to feel safe, particularly those who are dependent on public transport. Service providers have an ethical responsibility to ensure a no-tolerance culture for discrimination toward riders that explicitly protects those of marginalized identities, including those who wear religious attire.

Assessing justice in sustainable mobility transitions: narratives from transport policies in Jakarta

ABSTRACT Despite the recent growing concern for justice in the sustainable mobility transition, individuals’ experiences of injustice remain inadvertently neglected in favour of maximising the common good for society. As a result, identifying and assessing injustices remain elusive and tricky to operationalise into actionable policy. This article proposes an analytic and evaluation framework for capturing different narratives of injustice resulting from three transport policies aiming for a sustainable mobility transition in Jakarta: (1) traffic restriction policy, (2) integrated public transport, and (3) improvement of walking and cycling infrastructures. Using content analysis of news media to identify how these policies are perceived by and affect various segments of the population, our findings revealed that a broader scope of injustice is experienced by the low-income populace, including those with ‘forced’ motorcycle ownership and captive public transport users. These individualised injustices can result from policies aiming to improve the overall transport condition, claiming sustainable mobility values. Further, our proposed framework highlights shortcomings of current urban and transport planning assessments, which tend to quantify how justice ought to be distributed. The article concludes with policy insights to address transport injustices in Jakarta and other growing Asian metropolises facing a widening socio-economic inequality.

Identification of Surabaya Community Behavior Towards the Use of Wira Wiri Suroboyo as a Mode of Public Transportation

Wira Wiri Suroboyo is a public transportation system operated by the Surabaya city government since 2023, aimed at reducing traffic congestion and environmental pollution caused by private vehicle usage. Despite its introduction, this mode of transportation has not yet achieved a significant shift among residents toward adopting Wira Wiri Suroboyo. To address this, the government must understand the behavior of Surabaya's residents regarding public transportation usage. Behavioral insights can serve as critical input for designing effective strategies to encourage people to transition to Wira Wiri Suroboyo. This research focuses on identifying the behavioral patterns of Surabaya residents who choose Wira Wiri Suroboyo as their public transport option, utilizing the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) framework. TPB provides an analytical model to evaluate behavior based on an individual’s perceived control over their actions. Data for the study was collected through questionnaires distributed to Surabaya residents who use Wira Wiri Suroboyo. The findings reveal that attitude, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intentions significantly influence user behavior. However, the subjective norm variable does not substantially impact the behavioral intentions of the Surabaya community in this context.

‘I just want safety’: understanding the needs of diverse residents to facilitate equitable active transportation planning in Durham Region, Canada

ABSTRACT Active transportation users in high-income countries are more likely to be male, white, and of higher socioeconomic status. The purpose of this work was to learn about the needs, access, barriers, and priorities of equity-deserving groups to support engagement in active transportation. We conducted interviews with adults belonging to one or more of the following equity-deserving groups: Female (sex) or Women (gender), Racialized (non-Black), Black People, People with Disabilities, Born Outside of Canada, Older Adults, or Queer People. Four novel themes were identified in the data. Several privilege patterns related to cultural background, ability, affordability, and sex were identified. Communications were a clear opportunity for improvement to ensure accessible and inclusive active transportation. Several opportunities for education and training related to municipalities and law enforcement were highlighted. Finally, the pervasive car culture and law enforcement concerns were raised, particularly in the context of safety. It is clear from this work that adults from equity-deserving groups are faced with additional constraints to engaging in active transportation. A more collaborative approach with equity-deserving groups may be needed to ensure inclusive and accessible active transportation planning. Practical implications related to committees, media campaigns, and bikeshare programs are discussed.

Analisis Dampak Transportasi Rel terhadap Penurunan Tingkat Kemacetan di Jakarta

This study aims to analyze the impact of implementing rail transportation on traffic congestion in Jakarta. The background of this research is driven by the increasing congestion, which has become a major issue in the Jakarta metropolitan area, affecting time efficiency and air quality. The objective of this research is to evaluate the effect of increased use of rail transportation, such as KRL, MRT, and LRT, in reducing congestion in Jakarta. This study uses a comparative analysis method with both quantitative and qualitative approaches, combining data on congestion levels, the growth of private vehicles, and the increase in rail transportation passengers from 2019 to 2024. The results show that although the number of private vehicles continues to rise, congestion can be significantly reduced with the increase in rail transportation users. The increased use of KRL, MRT, and LRT has contributed to the reduction of private vehicle volume on the roads, which has been proven to help reduce congestion and air pollution. The implications of this research are that the development and integration of a more extensive rail transportation system can be an effective solution in addressing congestion, improving public mobility in Jakarta, and supporting environmental sustainability.

Non-linear relationship between built environment and non-motorized travel efficiency under the traffic micro-circulation model.

The built environment is an important determinant of travel demand and mode choice. Studying the relationship between the built environment and transportation usage can support and assist traffic policy interventions. Previous studies often assumed that this relationship is linear; however, the impact of the built environment on non-motorized travel efficiency may be more complex than the typically modeled linear relationships. This paper focuses on the core area of Chengguan District in Lanzhou City, utilizing multi-source big data including POI, OpenStreetMap, street view images, and built environment data. Using ArcGIS spatial analysis tools combined with the Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model, we analyze the non-linear influence mechanisms and threshold effects of the built environment on non-motorized travel efficiency and establish a ranking of the relative importance of all built environment factors. The results indicate that factors such as the branch road/street, land-use mix, land-use density, neighborhood entrance/exit density, bus station density, and dead-end-roads density are key influences on non-motorized travel efficiency. Additionally, based on the non-linear thresholds presented in the partial dependence plots for built environment factors, this paper proposes optimization strategies for small-scale road network patterns, mixed land use, and bus-friendly environments, providing effective threshold ranges and decision-making references for urban planning and traffic management.

Network analysis of socioeconomic disparities and public transport in COVID-19 spread: a case study in northeast Brazil.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted public transportation systems worldwide. In this study, we evaluated the rate of COVID-19 positivity and its associated factors among users of public transportation in socioeconomically disadvantaged regions of Brazil during the pre-vaccination phase of the pandemic. This ecological study, conducted in Aracaju city in Northeast Brazil, is a component of the TestAju Program. This initiative was designed to expand COVID-19 testing to asymptomatic individuals in public spaces such as squares and bus terminals. Using logistic regression, we examined the relationship between COVID-19 positivity and factors such as demographics, socioeconomic status, and travel frequency. The Fruchterman-Reingold algorithm was used to explore transmission pathways across neighborhoods with varying living conditions. Of the 1,420 public transport users tested via real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), 249 were positive, indicating a 17.5% positivity rate (95% CI: 15.7-19.6). Our findings revealed a higher positivity rate during periods of increased viral spread (OR = 4.3, 95% CI: 3.1-5.9) and in neighborhoods with poorer conditions (OR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1-2.1). Network analysis revealed affluent neighborhoods as significant transmission hubs of the disease. Our study highlights the vital role of urban mobility patterns in the spread of COVID-19. Neighborhoods with better living conditions that serve as hubs of activity and movement, enable gatherings and interactions among people from diverse regions, including those from areas with higher infection rates.

Pro-environmental behaviors and behavioral spillover among bicycle tourists

This study investigates various pro-environmental behaviours and their relationships among bicycle tourists. These behaviours encompass preferences for cycling and walking, energy conservation, waste separation, and environmentally friendly tourism product purchases. Additionally, the study investigates past carbon emissions due to motorised transportation as bicycle tourists and their moderating effect on indicated behaviours. According to the results obtained from structural equation modelling, the adoption of carbon-free modes of transportation for environmental purposes is significantly related to segregation, conservation, and environmentally friendly tourism product purchases among bicycle tourists. The result shows evidence of behavioural spillover among bicycle tourists. Furthermore, the study reveals that the moderating effect of past motorised transportation usage is particularly pronounced in the case of segregation behaviour. Finally, the study calculated the minimum overall carbon emissions rate for an individual by transportation and discussed potential reasons.

Biodiversity monitoring with intelligent sensors: An integrated pipeline for mitigating animal-vehicle collisions

Transports of people and goods contribute to the ongoing 6th mass extinction of species. They impact species viability by reducing the availability of suitable habitat, by limiting connectivity between suitable patches, and by increasing direct mortality due to collisions with vehicles. Not only does it represent a threat for some species conservation capabilities, but animal vehicle collisions (AVC) is also a threat for human safety and security in transport and has a massive cost for transport infrastructure (TI) managers and users. Using the opportunities offered by the increasing number of sensors embedded into TI and the development of their digital twins, we developed a framework aiming at managing AVC by mapping the collision risk between trains and ungulates (roe deer and wild boar) thanks to the deployment of a camera trap network. The proposed framework uses population dynamic simulations to identify collision hotspots and assist with the design of sensors deployment. Once sensors are deployed, the data collected, here photos, are processed through deep learning to detect and identify species at the TI vicinity. Then, the processed data are fed to an abundance model able to map species relative abundance around the TI as a proxy of the collision risk. We implement the framework on an actual section of railway in south-western France benefiting from a mitigation and monitoring strategy. The implementation thus highlighted the technical and fundamental requirements to effectively mainstream biodiversity concerns in the TI digital twins. This would contribute to the AVC management in autonomous vehicles thanks to connected TI.

Analisis Kebijakan Publik dalamTransformasi Layanan Transportasi Massal

This study analyzes public policy in the transformation of mass transportation services, using a multidisciplinary approach that integrates public policy studies and normative law studies. Employing qualitative research with a document (literature) study approach, the study highlights the inevitable shift from conventional to application-based transportation services, which led to the formulation of public policies regulating special rental transportation (ASK), commonly known as online transportation. However, the implementation of the ASK policy has sparked controversy, with some groups claiming that the transformation exacerbates social disparities by reducing their income. The study reveals that different types of public transportation, such as Angkot and ASK, operate under distinct regulations, objectives, service methods, and market segments. The study recommends that the government thoroughly investigate the underlying causes of competition among mass transportation service providers, including factors beyond the rise of ASK, and evaluate existing public policies in the sector. Additionally, collaboration with service providers should be encouraged to foster creativity and innovation, while addressing the factors contributing to the decline of public transportation usage. These efforts aim to promote fairness among providers through humane methods that align with the principles of legal justice.

A meta-review of literature reviews of disability, travel and inequalities

IntroductionThe importance of travel for mental and physical health and the adverse impacts of transport on health are increasingly recognised in policy and practice, but less attention is paid to the effects of disability on the ability to travel. MethodsWe searched the TRID database on June 1, 2023, using abstract keywords ‘disability’ or ‘disabilities’. We used the index term ‘literature reviews’ in 'all publications' from 2019 to 2023 inclusive. We also searched the journal Transport Reviews, finding six reviews, and were informed of two additional reviews. We repeated the search in July 2024, using Google Scholar. Forty-three unique recent reviews examined travellers with physical or cognitive disabilities; 24 met our inclusion criteria and underwent quality appraisal. ResultsTravel behaviour differs between transport users with and without disabilities. Those with disabilities make 10–30% fewer trips. They tend to use different transport modes and travel to nearer destinations but their journeys often take more time, are more complex, and can cost more. Individuals with disabilities are less able to travel both locally and regionally. This reduces independence, increases unemployment, and leads to missed medical appointments. Travel barriers vary with type and severity of disability, socioeconomic status, and transport infrastructure quality. People with disabilities often use familiar routes for comfort. Systemic obstacles include public transport unreliability; long waiting times; maintenance issues (e.g. pavement [sidewalk] maintenance, vehicle accessibility equipment); accessibility and affordability; and poor access to technology and information. Training for people with disabilities and transport staff is beneficial. ConclusionsThe United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities highlights the importance of transport to help people with disabilities access the same services, goods, and people as other people. Taking a universal design approach benefits everyone. Barriers can be overcome with accessibility policies integral to the transport planning process.

Evaluation of Trans Metro Pekanbaru public transport bus performance and services for sustainable mobility

Abstract The city of Pekanbaru is the capital of Riau Province with a relatively high rate of population growth, migration and urbanization. Population growth based on BPS data from Pekanbaru City in 2023 is 1.30%, where the growth that increases every year is directly proportional to the condition of increasing use of private transportation has exceeded the capacity of the road. Based on data from the Pekanbaru Transportation Agency in 2023, the number of daily users of Trans Metro Pekanbaru public transportation is only 0.44% of the total population, this shows that interest in using public transportation in Pekanbaru City is still very low, while on the other hand, congestion and air pollution are increasing due to the use of private transportation. The purpose of this study is to determine the performance level of Trans Metro Pekanbaru with a performance evaluation method that is guided by the technical assessment standards of bus performance in accordance with SK.687/AJ.206/DRJ/2002 concerning the implementation of public transportation issued by the land transportation office. The results of the evaluation of the performance evaluation assessment of Trans Metro Pekanbaru obtained a range weight value for weekends and weekdays of 14-16 including the currently category. In addition to the level of performance to increase interest and the public in using Trans Metro Pekanbaru, a survey and analysis of service levels were also carried out using the Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) method. Meanwhile, the level of service was obtained through the results of a passenger questionnaire survey in the field which was then analyzed using the Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) method. The results of the service level with the CSI method obtained for Trans Metro Pekanbaru are 86% which can be interpreted as very satisfied with the service level of Trans Metro Pekanbaru.

Strategic approaches to crisis management: The global challenges of the pandemic on the Turkish container shipping industry

The Covid-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to the sector, and Türkiye’s strategic location plays a crucial role in crisis management. This study aims to explore the repercussions of the pandemic on the sector and propose appropriate solutions. To identify the most effective solutions for prioritizing the challenges posed by Covid-19, 53 sector experts participated in the study. The Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis method was used to weigh the criteria representing these challenges. The solutions were ranked using the Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment and Combined Compromise Solution methods. The results indicate that the primary challenge is the increased shipping cost, followed by the prolongation of the transport time, global-scale impacts, and port congestion. The most appropriate solution identified was alternative vessel loading, followed by mixed-mode transportation usage, reservation guarantees, long-term contracts with shipping operators, integrated logistics services, container purchases, and technological integration

Estimation of Route-Choice Behavior Along LRT Lines Using Inverse Reinforcement Learning

As the decline of public transportation in rural areas becomes a growing concern, initiatives to introduce attractive next-generation transportation systems to promote public transportation usage are being considered across various regions. In Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture, where the next-generation light rail transit (LRT) system has been introduced, the number of users has significantly increased compared to before its introduction, with some users riding the LRT for the sake of the experience itself. On the other hand, there is a demand for a more micro-level and quantitative evaluation of the impact that the LRT has on the liveliness of areas along its route. Therefore, this study uses inverse reinforcement learning (IRL), a type of machine learning, to build a model that estimates route-choice behavior along the LRT lines based on behavioral trajectories generated from smartphone location data. The model is capable of evaluating the characteristics of location data with high accuracy. The findings indicate that routes along the LRT lines tend to be selected, suggesting that both the appeal of the LRT itself and the attractiveness of the spaces along its route contribute to this tendency.

Get BusActive!: Protocol of a single-blinded randomised controlled trial incentivising public transport use for physical activity gain among young people and adults.

Population level physical activity generally does not meet recommended targets. Compared with private motor vehicle users, public transport users tend to be more physically active and financial incentives may encourage more public transport use, but these relationships are under-investigated. This paper describes the protocol of a randomised controlled trial that aimed to determine the effect of financially incentivising public transport use on physical activity in a regional Australian setting. Get BusActive! is a 9.5-month single-blinded randomised controlled trial. A convenience sample of Tasmanians aged ≥15 years will be randomised to a 14-week incentive-based intervention (bus trip target attainment rewarded by bus trip credits and weekly supportive text messages) or an active control following baseline measures and will be followed up ∼24 weeks later (maintenance phase). Both groups will receive written physical activity guidelines. The primary outcome is change in accelerometer-measured steps/day from baseline to immediately post intervention phase and maintenance phase. Secondary outcomes are change in: smartcard-measured bus trips/week; measured and self-reported minutes/week of physical activity and sitting; transport-related behaviour (using one-week travel diary), perspectives (e.g. enablers/barriers) and costs; health. Linear mixed model regression will determine group differences. Participant-level process evaluation will be conducted and intervention cost to the public transport provider determined. Get BusActive! will fill an important knowledge gap about the causal relationship between financially incentivised public transport use and physical activity-the findings will benefit health and transport-related decision makers. ACTRN12623000613606. U1111-1292-3414.

Factors Influencing Health Literacy Among Migrants in Taiwan.

With increasing migration from the Asian countries, enhancing migrant health literacy in Taiwan is crucial. This study addresses a significant gap in health literacy research, particularly concerning immigrants of both genders and from diverse countries. Its purpose is to assess health literacy levels among migrants and identify associated factors to provide a comprehensive understanding of this issue. This quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2022 and January 2024, involving first-generation migrants aged above 20 years. Data were collected anonymously using the HLS-EU-Q47 questionnaire, available in English, Vietnamese, and Indonesian. Participants, mainly of Asian background, generally had low health literacy. Significant factors associated with higher health literacy included marital status, father's education, employment, health care training, transportation usage, ability to pay medical fees, income, and household arrangements. Educational courses and health seminars also improved health literacy. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to enhance health literacy among migrants, considering demographic and socioeconomic factors.

Transportation usage and perceptions among older adults in Mexico City: a qualitative study

Abstract Transportation plays a vital role in meeting the daily activity needs of individuals, including older adults. One major gap in the existing ageing and mobility literature is that most studies are situated in the Global North despite Global South cities facing comparatively faster ageing. This article’s primary purpose is to examine the daily lived experiences of transportation use among older adults in Mexico City. Secondarily it explores contextual differences among individuals living in two neighbourhood types – those with high or low access to public transportation networks. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 22 older adults and isolated four central themes that encapsulate their experiences of transportation in Mexico City. The extensive and well-run structured-transit system in central Mexico City was the source of many positive experiences for older adults, especially regarding affordability, high network connectivity and overall sense of safety and comfort. This was true for most participants across neighbourhood types and socio-economic statuses. Conversely, in peripheral neighbourhoods dominated by less-structured transportation modes, negative experiences included complaints about vehicle drivers, crime and safety, comfort and convenience. This article’s contributions are showing (1) consistency with existing Global South literature whereby older adults tend to use public transportation more widely and hold similar complaints related to poor experiences as older adult passengers; (2) that Mexico City exemplifies older adult transportation experiences that are dramatically different from car-dependent societies in the Global North; and (3) how older adults’ experiences with public transportation can vary significantly based on residential location within the city.

Quantifying Benefits of Universal Design in Public Transport.

Universal design (UD) relates to many aspects of public transport (PT), comprising the vehicles/wagons, stops/stations, and access/egress to/from stops. While some UD elements are decisive for relatively few, others enhance the overall PT quality and subsequently improve the well-being of many users. If the service quality is improved, some users will be willing to pay more, either in terms of ticket price or travel time. Improved UD elements in PT therefore increase social benefits for public transport users, in economic terms, even if ticket costs are maintained unchanged. PT users in Norway have been asked to choose between journey alternatives with varying levels of UD elements between the alternatives. These UD elements comprised: a) on-board facilities and driver quality; b) stop/station qualities: shelter, seating, safety, lighting, information; and c) the qualities of the area surrounding stops/stations: road surface quality / icing, lighting, facilities/amenities, information. In total, 25 UD qualities were assessed, in addition to travel time. Fare was one of the varying elements in the journey alternatives, enabling estimation of willingness to pay (WTP) for UD quality improvements. The WTP yields benefit estimates of improvements that can be assessed against the costs of upgrading, maintaining, and running these UD-related elements in PT. More than 2000 respondents participated in our web-based survey. Almost one in five reported special needs when travelling by PT. Comparing those reporting special needs against those not reporting needs/difficulties, we find that their WTP is similar for most UD qualities, but WTP differs on some particular UD elements. Those reporting needs/difficulties show higher WTP for improved cleaning and air quality on board, and for benches and highly visible real-time departure info at stops/stations. All PT users have high WTP for improved access, without detours, to stops/stations, that have shelter and de-iced road surface. Overall, our findings provide a case for increased focus on UD in economic assessments of PT.

Spatial Characteristics Visualization of Transfer Point Infrastructure

The government's efforts to increase public transport users in Palembang by providing public transport such as LRT, Teman Bus and angkot feeder LRT Musi Emas. The previous research shows that there are still deficiencies in public transport services. The condition of physical integration between public transport, such as no bus stop, inadequate sidewalk facilities and even in some locations they are not available, no crossing bridges, no lighting, no information on routes, schedules and several other things. Based on these conditions, this research will study physical integration between public transport modes by visualizing the spatial characteristics of transit point facilities in Palembang City. The method used for visualization is a mapping model using the GIS 10.8 application. The results of this research show that the districts with the most transfer points in Palembang are Ilir Timur I and Alang-Alang Lebar which have LRT stations, bus stops and river mode infrastructures. The results of this research can be used as a reference for improving public transport physical integration in Palembang in areas served by public transport. The visualization results of transfer point users in Palembang have shown that Ilir Barat I and Sukarame Districts have the highest number of users of transfer points infrastructure LRT station. Based on this research, it is known that the availability of transfer points infrastructure is not necessarily accompanied by a high number of public transport users in one sub-district when compared to other sub-districts. This is partly due to inadequate condition of physical integration between public transport.

Increased ridership and improved affordability: Transforming public transport subsidies in developing contexts

In Latin American cities, the affordability of public transport presents a significant obstacle to mobility. To address this challenge, several cities have implemented subsidies. Understanding the effectiveness of these subsidies is crucial, particularly in cities where a substantial portion of the population, especially those with low incomes, rely on public transport systems. This paper presents a case study conducted in Bogotá, Colombia, employing a randomized controlled field experiment involving 1607 participants. In this intervention, a randomly selected group of frequent public transport users received a cash transfer on their travel cards (a transport voucher) for four months. We aim to estimate the causal effects of providing these vouchers on ridership and affordability. The findings indicate that vouchers on average, increased ridership by up to 9% compared to the control group. This increase was most pronounced on weekdays and during peak hours. Vouchers proved particularly advantageous for populations with low fare-demand elasticity, who constitute the primary users of public transport. Furthermore, it improved their affordability by between 18 and 26%. In summary, our results indicate that providing subsidies in the form of vouchers can effectively boost public transport usage, thereby enhancing affordability for users.