<p>Minimizing the impact of the transportation sector and across all vehicle classes and sizes on the climate consists one of the main goals globally. As heavy-duty vehicles are responsible for a high share of the total emissions emitted from the transportation sector, multiple initiatives are targeting this vehicle class, with transit buses being no exception. Although battery electric buses (BEBs) have the potential to save energy and decrease emissions, their adoption has been progressing at a slow pace. Despite the advantages of quieter operations, improved acceleration, and absence of diesel or gas odors, there has been limited attention given to the perspective of the users. This study aims to explore the preferences of bus riders towards BEBs and the general public’s behavioral intentions to ride public transit. To achieve these objectives, two separate surveys were designed and disseminated in Salt Lake City, Utah to solicit riders’ and general public’s typical travel behaviors and patterns and their their preferences and opinions regarding the emissions and noise performance of BEBs. The surveys also gauged participants’ attitudes, social norms, and environmental awareness. Statistical analysis revealed that various factors play a role in shaping riders' perceptions regarding the electrification of transit buses. These factors encompass the purpose of the trip, attitudes towards environmental concerns and the environmental effects of battery electric buses (BEBs), as well as non-instrumental ride factors like comfort during the journey and the social image associated with the mode of transportation. Turning to the behavioral intentions toward public transit usage, a structural equation model was estimated that revealed the positive and direct influence of perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, and improved transit ride comfort attributes that BEBs offer. The support for transit bus electrification and green self-identity were found to indirectly influence behavioral intentions. This thesis provides valuable insights into BEBs preferences from the perspectives of riders and general public. Gaining a deeper understanding of the significance of electrification for transit riders, and also, to the general public can enable transit service providers to modify their marketing strategies, promotion strategies, and adapt their overall operations at the system level to accommodate the preferences towards BEBs, and ultimately, attract more transit riders.</p>
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:purdue.edu/oai:figshare.com:article/23701995 |
| Date | 18 July 2024 |
| Creators | Konstantinos Flaris (16552848) |
| Source Sets | Purdue University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text, Thesis |
| Rights | CC BY 4.0 |
| Relation | https://figshare.com/articles/thesis/UNDERSTANDING_PERCEPTIONS_TOWARDS_TRANSIT_BUS_ELECTRIFICATION_AND_THEIR_INFLUENCE_ON_INTENTIONS_TO_RIDE_PUBLIC_TRANSIT/23701995 |
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