Malta's underground pedestrian crossing : a study on pedestrian perception and behaviour

Abstract

Purpose: Underground Pedestrian Crossings (UPCs) are fundamental infrastructural elements in a transport network since they provide the ideal pedestrian-vehicle segregation. The objective of the study is to examine the relevance and efficiency of Malta's UPCs and to investigate to what extent they are used by the public vis-a-vis other crossing modes. The pedestrian's outlook and behaviour is also addressed to understand the primary factors which encourage increased user cornpliance. Design: pedestrian counts were conducted at four main UPC sites in the localities of Floriana and Msida, to quantify the number of pedestrians who opted to use existing UPCs against those who refrained from doing so. One-to-one onsite interviews with commuters were subsequently conducted to obtain the public's perception. General Findings and Conclusions: The study has concluded that in Malta, UPC's are underused and most pedestrians prefer to jaywalk. Females are generally more compliant to UPCs and males. From all age groups, elderly pedestrians are the most discouraged from using these subterranean facilities. UPCs are least frequented during early morning and evening hours, due to reduced vehicular traffic, and due to negative connotations associated with dark environments. Other factors which contribute to UPC incompliance include: slower vehicular speeds, personal gap acceptance, public transport use, and user inconvenience. Additionally, many pedestrians tend to negatively perceive these systems due to shortcomings in maintenance, accessibility issues, insecurity, and crime concerns. The key in increasing UPC-frequency and ensuring public acceptance is through more aesthetically pleasing infrastructure, and by introducing human activity within the facility itself or in the surrounding environs.