Public transport users’ and policy makers’ perceptions of integrated public transport systems

The planning of public transport systems plays a critical role in improving accessibility for all users. It provides people with opportunities for employment, social activities and involvement in the community. In recent times, many transport agencies are investing in their public transport systems to transform them into an integrated system. However, despite some advancement in this area, the understanding of public transport users’ perceptions and how this aligns with policy makers’ perceptions of an integrated system is limited. This understanding is critical to attract more commuters to use public transport. This paper conducted an analytical comparison between the users’ and policy makers’ perception of the various attributes that are used to develop an integrated system. A regional plan, produced in Auckland, New Zealand to implement an integrated system, was used as a case study. User-preference surveys and semi-structured interviews were used to collect the data. Data analysis was performed using the Analytic Hierarchy Process to determine the relative weight of the various attributes. Cluster analysis was used to identify groups of public transport users with similar characteristics. The findings provide the similarities and differences in users’ and policy makers’ perception of the attributes used to create an integrated system. Future research will investigate the needs of disadvantaged users such as elderly and disabled people, to understand how they are met by an integrated system.