Factors Influencing Public Transport Use: A Study of Klang Valley Commuters’ Information System Tools

Abstract

Mobility is a human need. The options available are from a wide array, however, the safety of a person varies with the choice of transportation. To reduce the safety risks of private vehicles, commuters should be encouraged to shift to public transport. Literature and observation show key segments citing reasons such as timing issues, connectivity, and unpredictability to continue commuting privately. This study in the Klang Valley, Malaysia explores the influencing factors and how information systems' tools can encourage a change in commuting mode. Through a questionnaire survey, it is found that timing and costs are the biggest factors influencing public transport use, therefore an information system tool that can provide this information based on the commuters' origin and destination will be able to influence their use more. The younger age group with lower earning capacity are most likely to use an app that can rank modes by costs. The older age group with higher earning capacity are most likely to use an app that can rank modes by timing and time taken.