Park and ride : a geographical analysis

Abstract

Problems associated with traffic, such as traffic congestion and pollution, rue common to major urban areas today, in particular due to the increased use of private cars. The car has become an important part of people's lives from an early age, making attempts at reducing car dependency very difficult. Various measures, in the form of incentives and disincentives have proved ineffective in reducing effectively car travel. However, one successful way to reduce the burden of car traffic in city centres has been to replace trips by car with a combination of car and public transport: hence the concept of Park & Ride. The main objective of this study is to analyse the introduction of a Park and Ride scheme in Blata 1-Bajda, Malta. The users' perspective was analysed through questionnaires administered to the Park and Ride users. The success of Park and Ride in attracting users, especially people from neighbouring employment centres was confirmed, and these users reported high levels of satisfaction with the service. However, the results indicate that some users had shifted transport mode from public transport use to car use, whilst others were found to be making additional trips attracted by the Park and Ride facility. Conclusions are provided to ensure that the sustainability of Park and Ride services is encouraged and to increase the potential for car use restraint and modal share is achieved.