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Effects of Real-time Passenger Information Systems on Perceptions of Transit Services: Investigations of The Ohio State University Community

Ettefagh, Mahsa

Abstract Details

2013, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Civil Engineering.
Information systems are increasingly adopted in public transportation to improve service. When well utilized, transit also plays a major role in reducing roadway congestion and mitigating transportation' negative impacts on the environment, benefits that accrue to transit users and nonusers alike. Nonusers recognition of such benefits can be important when agencies seek community support of transit initiatives, and it is possible that state-of-the-art technologies enhance the progressive image of transit. A two-wave survey of The Ohio State University (OSU) community was conducted to study the influence of real-time passenger information systems on travelers' perceptions of important dimensions associated with transit service. The first wave was conducted before OSU's Campus Area Bus Service (CABS) implemented a state-of-the-art passenger information system. The second wave was conducted approximately a year after this implementation. Results show statistically significant increases in the value CABS users ascribe to the service provided and their perceptions of personal safety while accessing and using transit services after the implementation of the information system. The results also show statistically significant increases in both users' and nonusers' perceptions of the positive contribution CABS makes towards mitigating negative environmental impacts and decreasing congestion. Results further reveal statistically significant association of positive responses with a stated awareness of the implemented information system. Socioeconomic variables -- such as gender, whether an individual is a current or past user of other metropolitan transit systems, and university affiliation (student, faculty, and staff) -- are included in the models to control for their possible influences on the community's perceptions. Interesting statistically significant associations between these socioeconomic variables and positive perceptions are found as well. In summary, the findings indicate the positive effects passenger information systems have on both transit users and nonusers among emerging college-educated professionals, a demographic important for future transit demand and support.
Rabi Mishalani, Ph.D. (Advisor)
Mark McCord, Ph.D. (Advisor)
Gulsah Akar, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
97 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Ettefagh, M. (2013). Effects of Real-time Passenger Information Systems on Perceptions of Transit Services: Investigations of The Ohio State University Community [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1366318693

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Ettefagh, Mahsa. Effects of Real-time Passenger Information Systems on Perceptions of Transit Services: Investigations of The Ohio State University Community. 2013. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1366318693.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Ettefagh, Mahsa. "Effects of Real-time Passenger Information Systems on Perceptions of Transit Services: Investigations of The Ohio State University Community." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1366318693

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)