Public Transport Appreciation: A Comprehensive Analysis of User Perceptions and Influencing Factors in Italian Urban Contexts

  • Elisabetta Venezia University of Bari Aldo Moro, Department of Economics and Finance, Italy
  • Giulia Nicolardi University of Bari Aldo Moro, Department of Economics and Finance, Italy
Keywords: Public Transport, Travel Behavior, User Perception, Social Justice

Abstract

Systems of public transportation are essential to urban mobility because they provide social, economic, and environmental advantages.  To improve service quality and advance sustainable transportation, it is crucial to comprehend how users perceive these systems.  This paper explores the many facets of appreciating public transportation, in Italian urban contexts looking at elements like affordability, accessibility, service quality, environmental impact, and technological integration.  This study uses information gathered from a nationwide survey to examine how the public and local public transportation users in Italy are perceived. The purpose of the study is to provide indications and to evaluate how frequent and infrequent users value several facets of public transportation services, such as accessibility, cost, frequency, cleanliness, timeliness, and environmental impact. A wide range of demographic samples contributed responses, offering a thorough picture of regional variations and shared issues. We seek to give a thorough overview of the factors influencing public transportation enjoyment and its implications for practice and policy by synthesizing recent research and empirical data.

The findings highlight the significant challenge of changing travel habits, given that 72% of respondents own a car and 87% prefer private transportation over public options. This underscores the importance of promoting more sustainable. mobility options through advancements in public transportation infrastructure, safety perceptions, and urban design.  In the end, a major obstacle in determining Italy's transportation future is striking a balance between environmental objectives and ease. The findings highlight how difficult it is to change travel habits and how important it is to promote more sustainable mobility options through advancements in public transportation infrastructure, safety perceptions, and urban design.  In the end, a major obstacle in determining Italy's transportation future is striking a balance between environmental objectives and ease.

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Published
2025-10-17
How to Cite
Venezia, E., & Nicolardi, G. (2025). Public Transport Appreciation: A Comprehensive Analysis of User Perceptions and Influencing Factors in Italian Urban Contexts. European Scientific Journal, ESJ, 21(42), 102. https://doi.org/10.19044/esj.2025.v21n42p102