University of Twente Student Theses
Perceived safety of passengers in public transportation
Schuitema, T. (2025) Perceived safety of passengers in public transportation.
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| Abstract: | Background: Passenger safety perception is a critical factor influencing the use of public transportation in Europe. Despite its importance, limited research has been conducted on the specific elements that affect passengers' perceived safety within public transport systems, especially in European contexts. This study aims to identify factors that directly or indirectly influence passengers' perceived safety in public transportation, thereby contributing to enhanced passenger satisfaction and increased public transport usage. Methodology: A quantitative research design was employed using both primary and secondary data from public transport companies. Primary data were collected through passenger surveys, where passengers rated their perceived safety on a scale from 1 to 10. Secondary data included operational information such as schedules, staffing schedules, passenger counts, and the presence of security measures. The study examined factors like the presence of staff, frequency of ticket inspections, urban versus rural areas, seat availability, late travel times, and the presence of security cameras. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to test the hypotheses. Findings: The analysis revealed that the presence of staff positively affects passengers' perceived safety. However, frequent ticket inspections negatively moderated this relationship, suggesting that excessive inspections may reduce the positive impact of staff presence on passengers' perceived safety. Overcrowding, indicated by lower seat availability, negatively influenced perceived safety, emphasizing the importance of managing seat availability. Contrary to expectations, factors such as urban areas, late travel times, and the presence of security cameras did not have a significant effect on passengers' perceived safety. Conclusion: This study identified key factors that significantly affect passengers' perceived safety in European public transportation. By highlighting the positive impact of staff presence and the negative effects of overcrowding and excessive ticket inspections, the research provides valuable insights for public transportation providers. These findings offer practical recommendations to enhance passengers' perceived safety, such as optimizing staff visibility, balancing ticket inspection frequency, and managing overcrowding. Improving perceived safety is crucial for encouraging greater use of public transport, thereby supporting sustainable urban mobility and addressing broader environmental goals. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Programme: | Business Administration MSc (60644) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/104847 |
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