The Effect of Interchange Attributes on Public-Transport Users′Intention to Use Routes Involving Transfers

Abstract

From past travel behavior studies it is evident that several trip attributes have been established as key factors in travelers’ decision to use public transport. Using these factors, the present study seeks to provide a psychological perspective of the inconvenience expressed by public transport users’ when making transfers between public-transport modes. The theory of planned behaviorhas been adopted to determine the trip attributes influencing public transport users’ intention to use routes involving transfers. A survey was undertaken in two major transport centers in Auckland, New Zealand. Analysis of results has shown that public transport users’ are intolerant towards greater delays, even if occurrence is rare. Minimization of transfer walking and waiting times increases users’ intention to use transfer routes. Results suggested that reliability of transfers and reduction in journey times has the most influence on users’ intention to make transfers. Findings of the study is expected to support decision makers in developing new transfer routes and improving the quality of existing transfer routes to provide travelers with a possible attractive alternative to automobile.