The high use of gasoline and diesel vehicles results in environmental pollution and loss of natural resources. The use of electric vehicles can be socially beneficial and reduce air pollution. In this research study, the main aims are to identify the potential of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in Pakistan using a Stated Preferences (SP) survey. An SP questionnaire was designed using the theoretical framework of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). This questionnaire consisted of travelers’ personal and travel characteristics and various statements designed to address the variables of TPB such as Attitudes Towards the Electric Vehicles, Subjective Norms (SN), Perceived Behavioral Control (PBC), and Behavioral Intentions (BI). The behavior items were designed in the context of travelers’ willingness to buy and use EVs. Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFAs) were conducted to validate the designed hypotheses related to the variables of TPB. The cross-analysis revealed that there are variations in responses across different occupations, trip distances, travel modes, and vehicle ownership. The developed structural models showed that the Attitudes and PBC have a positive influence on BI and PBC, which also have a direct impact on travelers’ willingness to use EV. The SN, PBC, and Attitudes are significant predictors of behavioral intentions in the willingness to buy EV and PBC is not a direct predictor of travelers’ willingness to buy an EV. The BI acts as a mediator to explain the indirect effects of Attitudes, SN, and PBC on willingness to purchase and use an EV. In the end, a framework is also proposed for the behavior-related interventions to promote the EVs considering the socio-economic context of Pakistan.
Many cities in developing countries are facing challenges of providing quality public transport facilities to the public. The demand-responsive transport (DRT) initiatives in some cities have helped in providing transportation alternatives to the travelers, and in filling the gap between demand and supply. Recently introduced DRT initiatives in Lahore included the mobile app-based Airlift and Swvl bus services. This article is aimed at evaluating the travelers’ attitudes toward mobile application (app)–based DRT services in Lahore with the help of a questionnaire survey. A questionnaire was designed consisting of travelers’ personal and travel information and their perceptions on selected attributes of Airlift and Swvl bus services. A total of 440 samples were collected through interviews. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) revealed three factors of service quality, that is, Accessibility and Scheduling Attributes (ASA), Instrumental Attributes (IA), and Service Attraction Attributes (SAA). The results of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) showed that the ASA, IA, and SAA are significant determinants of travelers’ attitudes toward the existence of Airlift and Swvl bus services in Lahore. These factors have strong correlations with travelers’ intentions to use Airlift and Swvl services in the future. The waiting time at a stop, travelers’ income, vehicle ownership, trip purpose, and profession are also significant in determining the travelers’ attitudes and preferences with app-based public transport services. These findings would be helpful for the service providers and transport planners for making appropriate policies to improve the quality of these services.
App-based demand-responsive transit (DRT) services are emerging where conventional public transport is unable to meet the demand. SWVL (choice A) and Airlift (choice B) are two such DRT bus services operating in Lahore, Pakistan. It is important for the policy makers and operators to evaluate the satisfaction levels of the passengers using these services. This study evaluated passengers’ satisfaction regarding choice A and choice B through a questionnaire survey. A total of 440 responses were collected from the users of the DRT services through personal interviews and a web-based approach. Factor analysis on the collected data produced two underlying factors, namely service-attributes and bus ambiance. Ordinal regression showed that the service-attributes and ambiance were significant predictors of overall satisfaction levels about choice A. Service-attributes indicated a larger positive impact on overall satisfaction with choice A as compared to ambiance. Although the ordinal model for choice B fitted the data well, the predictors were found to be insignificant. The results offer an insight into which predictors affect the overall satisfaction and how it can be improved.
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