Public transit users versus private car users: a study of the Lebanese perceptions toward transit services

Abstract

Public transit is considered nowadays a basic mobility service helping people reach their destinations. However the absence of optimized public transport services in Lebanon and the increased dependency on private cars by the Lebanese are the major concerns of this research study. The key finding indicate that in order to increase public transport usage, the service should be designed in a way that meets the levels of service required by customers and by doing so, attract potential users. The present study investigates the accuracy of perceptions of Lebanese public transport users and private car users toward public transit service quality. A sample of both transit and car users was intercepted in the Beirut region and asked to fill out a questionnaire. Socio-demographic characteristics as well as importance and satisfaction levels toward the different partial criteria of transit service quality dimensions were retrieved and invested in the calculation of the customer satisfaction index. The research findings showed that differences in gender, job sector, monthly income, education, residence, and car ownership influence satisfaction levels towards transit service quality. Besides, Lebanese car users are willing more than ever to decrease their use of private vehicles. Finally, the study is considered as innovative from both an approach and implementation perspective and will guide decision makers in Lebanon to plan long-term strategies and to establish and market viable public transport solutions.