TITLE:
How Users Perceive Infrastructure Development Affects Their Transport Mode Choice
AUTHORS:
Lina Shbeeb
KEYWORDS:
Road Index, Infrastructure Development, Infrastructure Attribute, Safety Rating, Structural Equation Models, Modal Choice
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Transportation Technologies,
Vol.13 No.4,
September
5,
2023
ABSTRACT: Transport
infrastructure development and perception vary across and within countries, influencing
mode choice among road users. This study explores how road users perceive the
development of infrastructure modes, service attributes, embedded safety
levels, and commuting modes. Additionally, the research examines whether
participants’ environmental backgrounds impact their mode choice patterns. The
study gathered responses from 1169 participants residing in two regions of
Amman, Jordan, each with distinct infrastructure development and population
densities. Participants completed a standardized questionnaire, and several
statistical techniques were employed for analysis. The findings revealed that
facilities’ infrastructure attributes, development, and safety were assessed
using three indices. Both participant groups perceived these indices differently
on average. Residents of low population density areas with relatively developed
infrastructure showed more consistent assessments, irrespective of their most
frequently used mode of transportation, tending towards lower scores.
Interestingly, subjective ratings of infrastructure development were higher
(4.96) than attribute-based ratings (4.32). Despite their generally low-quality
perception, public transportation services received the highest appraisal
(4.9). Conversely, pedestrian infrastructure complementing public transport
received the lowest assessment (4.57), only slightly higher than street
environments (4.59). The study found weak associations between subjective
service characteristics ratings. Traveler and trip characteristics influenced mode
choice and trips more than infrastructure perception. In conclusion, the study
suggests that policies should be developed to encourage green transportation,
ensure social equality and safety. In addition, the study contributes to
understanding perceptions about transport infrastructure, modes of
transportation, and the factors that influence sustainable and equitable
transportation systems.