User-group Specific Enhancements for Attractive Public Transport Environments

Abstract

Public transport environment that are attractive to diverse range of user groups are important for, increasing PT usage, and promoting equitable and sustainable urban mobility. Addressing the unique needs and accessibility barriers of vulnerable population such as persons with reduced mobility (PRM), women, older adults, as well as intersectional groups such as older women, female PRM and modal groups such as cyclist is the key to inclusive PT design. This study evaluates how different user groups experience and prioritise safety, comfort, and quick access in the public transport environment. The satisfaction and importance ratings among different user groups are assessed and validated through a combination of statistical, GIS, and qualitative analyses. This study employed a methodological triangulation approach that integrates CFA, Brunner-Munzel test, GIS, and qualitative analysis for the assessment of different user groups’ expectations and satisfaction of safety, comfort, and quick access in the PT environment. Findings reveal that barrier-free access and night security are critical safety concerns for female PRM, female cyclists, and PRM user groups. Comfort features, such as toilets and seating, remain insufficient for older adults particularly older women, while quick access elements such as wayfinding signage, and safe transfer routes are highly valued by older women but inconsistently available. Comparatively, intersectional groups show stronger importance and satisfaction towards PT attributes than other groups. These findings underscore the need for targeted improvements, integrating the specific needs of different and vulnerable groups through user-centric design. The overall findings extend the existing literature with a more nuanced, evidence-based understanding of user-groups’ specific needs, particularly highlighting the barriers faced by Female PRM, PRM older women, and female cyclists.