Transportation

Public transportation

Even though it is well known that mass transit through public transport systems is more environmentally friendly when considering carbon emission, a lot of people still choose to take their private car to and from work instead. The main reasons for this are convenience, time, prices, comfort and habits. These are all powerful factors that need to be addressed if public transport is going to be the preferred option. 
This Dutch 2001 survey investigated the attitude towards public transport along the following aspects: arousal, comfort, convenience, freedom, not stressful, control, status, sexy, pleasure, various experiences and flexibility. LINK
They found that public transport only scores higher on one of these aspects: Traffic safety!  

To be more competitive public transport therefore needs to highlight and develop the following aspects where they actually do have clear advantages over private transport. Lower cost Reduce congestion Less pollution No parking issues Efficiency Public transportation needs to work well and be cheap and reliable in order to keep customers loyal. Most people can handle the switches between transport modes, and the inconvenience of having many people crammed together, if the fares are cheap, and the trains and buses are on time. If we have given up on public transport and found other ways of transportation we quickly get into the habit and stay there. LINK