Public perceptions: an important determinant of transport users’ travel behaviour

Abstract

The public perception towards the existing public transport in Malaysia has constantly been declining over the years. Perceptions are instruments to indicate existing service quality and expected quality from the passenger’s point of view. The primary objectives of this study were to assess the needs and perceptions of passengers towards effective public transport and to evaluate the passenger and travel characteristics of public transport in the city of Johor Bahru in Malaysia. The main results formed clear consensuses that Lower Income Group (LIG) are largely captive bus users. Despite being captive bus users, the bus service is highly marginalised in quality terms for their travel, and there is a vast potential for improvement. Similarly, Higher Income Group (HIG) reflected car dominance not only due to poor service quality of buses but also due to other socioeconomic factors. The present research provides many clues for the policymakers to understand public perceptions towards promoting sustainable transport modes, and that can support the implementation of the ambitious Malaysian National Transport Policy (2019-2030).

Keywords

• ohar bahru
• malaysia
• passenger characteristics
• public perceptions
• travel behaviour
• trip characteristics