Commuters opinion on public transport services in mega cities: the case of Istanbul buses

Genç, Atakan; Alkhaledi, Khaled; Sağlam, Sait; Bendak, Salaheddine · 2023 · Crossref

DOI: 10.3389/frsc.2023.1291914

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Summary

This study investigates commuter perceptions of public bus services in Istanbul, a megacity facing significant traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions. The research aims to identify factors influencing the choice between public transport and private vehicles, with the goal of enhancing bus attractiveness to reduce private car usage and environmental impact. The authors argue that understanding commuter preferences is essential for optimizing public transport systems and encouraging a shift away from private motor vehicles. The researchers employed a quantitative survey method, collecting data from 620 randomly selected bus commuters across six suburbs of Istanbul. Participants completed a questionnaire covering demographic information (gender, age, income, education, work status, and car ownership) and 14 questions regarding bus usage frequency, travel purposes, access and waiting times, satisfaction with service quality and infrastructure, and support for peak-hour fare increases. Data analysis utilized descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests, specifically Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests, to examine differences in satisfaction levels across demographic groups. The results indicate that while the majority of commuters are satisfied with bus services, routes, and stop locations, significant disparities exist among demographic groups. Female commuters reported significantly lower satisfaction rates than males regarding overall service quality, waiting times, and whether services meet their needs. Satisfaction levels were also positively correlated with age and income; older and higher-income commuters expressed greater satisfaction than their younger and lower-income counterparts. Additionally, higher-income individuals were more likely to own private vehicles and use buses less frequently. A notable minority of commuters reported dissatisfaction due to long walking distances to stops or excessive waiting times. Furthermore, 56% of respondents supported increasing bus fares during peak hours to mitigate overcrowding. The study concludes that while Istanbul’s bus system is generally well-received, targeted improvements are necessary to address the specific needs of female, younger, and lower-income commuters. The authors recommend that authorities investigate safety concerns and service gaps affecting these groups to improve overall satisfaction and ridership. The strong support for peak-hour pricing suggests a viable strategy for managing congestion. These findings provide actionable insights for urban planners in megacities seeking to enhance public transport efficiency and reduce reliance on private vehicles, thereby contributing to lower carbon emissions and improved urban sustainability.

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