What will convince drivers to permanently switch to mass transit? A reliable system and incentives aren't enough, say a group of Swedish researchers, the experience of public transit should also match the qualities people love about cars.
In a report published in the latest issue of the journal Transport Policy, the researchers offer three general suggestions for improving mass transit systems, writes Eric Jaffe. First, they believe transit agencies need to pay more attention to rider perceptions because single "critical incidents," like a bad rush hour experience, can turn people away. "Too often," say the researchers, "transit operators evaluate service quality based on criteria they consider important - even if riders don't feel the same."
This leads to their second point, which is that "agencies should target the motivations that cause people to drive instead of ride." Most drivers prefer the comfort and convenience of their own cars, but ticket integration programs that make the rides simpler and cheaper could encourage them to make the switch. In Finland, such a program reported a 10 to 20 percent shift away from private car use.
The researchers' last recommendation is that "[a]gencies would be wise to recognize that not all drivers have the same potential to become riders," and target their programs accordingly. New residents, for instance, might be more inclined to switch between travel modes. "Similarly," says Jaffe, "places that have a high volume of 'choice' riders — those who could take a car but choose instead to ride — may take more note of efforts like station and security upgrades, relative to basic qualities like speed."
FULL STORY: 3 Keys for Drawing Drivers to Mass Transit

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie