Public Transport Usage and Perceived Service Quality in a Large Metropolitan Area: The Case of Porto

Abstract

Using public transport as an alternative to private motorized vehicles (PMVs) is becoming increasingly popular in many cities worldwide. To understand what incentives and enhancements are necessary to attract and retain more passengers, a comprehensive understanding of the quality of public transport services is essential. This study aims to broaden the existing literature on the knowledge of public transport services in a large, heterogeneous metropolitan area. A cross-examination between a binary and an ordinal logit model is proposed, using data from a mobility survey in the Porto Metropolitan Area (PMA) in Portugal. The results show that households use PMVs mainly for speed (58.8%), comfort (49.3%), and lack of public transport to the destination (35.7%). Households using public transport cite not driving/owning a PMV (52.6%), lack of alternative transport modes (49.1%), and service cost (38.2%) as primary reasons. The perceived service quality (PSQ) within the PMA exhibits variance on multiple levels, depending on the characteristics of the household and the municipality’s location. This study provides policymakers of different cities in the PMA with insight into what incentives would most effectively increase the PSQ and, in turn, attract more passengers. This insight would be valuable in developing strategies to improve public transport usage and reduce PMV usage in the PMA. Adopting these strategies will contribute to reducing environmental impact and reducing traffic congestion.

A New Combined Model for Assessing the Perceived Accessibility of Public Transport by Consumers in the Megapolis

“…Moreover, the respondents' answers confirm a positive connection between the frequency of PT use and perceived accessibility. This is especially interesting to compare with results obtained by Rocha et al [16], where respondents with a high frequency of PT use demonstrated a lower level of perceived accessibility. Rocha et al concluded that the observed results are outcomes of low level of PT service quality [17].…”

“…Even if public transport limits the mobility of an individual and is not sufficiently accessible. For instance, Rocha et al [16] observed that the Metropolitan Area residents "had a higher overall rating of public transport services, despite being less likely to use PT". The authors explained these results as "the characteristics of the household and the municipality location" [16].…”

“…For instance, Rocha et al [16] observed that the Metropolitan Area residents "had a higher overall rating of public transport services, despite being less likely to use PT". The authors explained these results as "the characteristics of the household and the municipality location" [16]. This research showed that a passenger (residents of megacity) who actively uses public transport (2-3 times a week or more often) is not only forced to actively use the nonrail UGPT route network, but is satisfied with the mobility implemented with its help, the availability of stops (convenient proximity) and the provided availability of points of attraction.…”

“…The importance of this kind of research for evaluating factors of customer satisfaction and its implication on customer loyalty and further frequency of public transport use is underlined in the literature [15]. The relationships between public transport usage and perceived service quality are studied in large urban agglomerations [16], and it is stated that "passengers' perception of satisfaction based on travel experience attributes [17]. Noteworthy, customer value is a complex of perceived factors that will be considered.…”

Exploring Modal Choices for Sustainable Urban Mobility: Insights from the Porto Metropolitan Area in Portugal

“…According to the latest mobility survey conducted in Portugal [7], the AMP is currently facing escalating levels of traffic congestion. It is noteworthy that private motorized vehicles (PMVs) account for nearly 70% of all regional trips, as Rocha et al highlighted [8]. This congestion not only leads to time delays but also contributes to increased fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions [4,6,9,10].…”