PriMera Scientific Engineering (ISSN: 2834-2550)

Research Article

Volume 2 Issue 4

Optimizing a Public Transportation System based on Young Drivers’ Attitudes and the Theory of Planned Behavior Factors

Turuna Seecharan*

March 15, 2023

DOI : 10.56831/PSEN-02-042

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Abstract

In Duluth, the largest demographic living in poverty is 18-24-year-olds. Drivers within this age range are also over-represented in crash statistics in the state of Minnesota. Further, owning and operating a personal vehicle can be costly, especially for young drivers with no stable or high income. Sustainable commute modes include commuting with low impact on the environment, transporting more than one passenger, or replacing fossil fuels with green energy. Behavioral changes are necessary to get the maximum benefits from sustainable commuting such as encouraging the use of alternative modes of transportation like the public transportation system.

     Although the benefits of sustainable commuting include saving money, being eco-friendly, and having a positive social impact on society, a survey of 370 18-24-year-old drivers found that 46% choose their vehicle as their primary commuting option. This research explores the perception of young drivers in Duluth toward the use of public transportation. Based on the factors from the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the study shows that even if their attitude was favorable and there existed a strong social structure, within Duluth, toward using the bus, control factors exist that impede their decision to use the bus. If these factors are not addressed, then ridership will continue to be low.

Keywords: travel behavior; young drivers; sustainable commuting; public transportation

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