Understanding the factors influencing public transport mode choice in Taiwan

Abstract

Promoting public transport use, which has become an important part of government strategies to reduce carbon emissions from the transport sector worldwide, requires a good understanding of the factors that influence public transport mode choice including the policy implementation process. Previous studies have identified a range of factors influencing public transport use while few have brought all these factors together in a single study. Additionally, few studies have sought to understand public transport mode choice and public transport policy implementation processes in East and Southeast Asian countries. This is of concern as conditions in East and Southeast Asia are significantly different from those in many parts of the Western world with typical features of higher population density, a higher proportion of motorbike use and evolving governance structures. \nThis study explores public transport policy implementation and public transport mode choice in Taiwan – a country that bridges East and Southeast Asia. A number of interviews with transport policymakers and planners were conducted to understand how the current governance structure impacts public transport policy implementation. A conceptual model was developed based on the COM-B model (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behaviour) proposed by Michie et al (2011) which allows a comprehensive range of factors influencing travel mode choice to be considered. This conceptual model was tested using a variety of modelling approaches including multi-level regression analysis and structural equation modelling. The study finds the relationships between objective and subjective walking environment measures, walkability and walking to access public transport, and gives evidence that the COM-B model can apply to public transport mode choice. It was also found that land use variables have a stronger relationship with intention to use public transport for motorbike user than car users and has a greater effect at the trip destination than at the trip origin. \nThe key factors influencing public transport policy implementation identified in this study can be a good reference for Southeast Asian countries if they are going to implement public transport plan. From the results obtained by the analysis of capability, opportunity and motivation influence travel mode choice, implementing effective strategies and build up a well-function public transport service to ensure a favoured environment for public transport over motorbike and car use is critical for a sustainable future.

Cite this work

No public copy is stored for this record, so only the metadata is cited.

Stored only when both papers are in the corpus — 10 citations exist upstream.