Public transport : a means or a must? : a study into how socio-economic factors determine modal choice for Zurrieq residents

Abstract

An understanding of the travel behaviour of a society is the road to success in transport planning. Travel behaviour generally depends on an individual's perspective of the various means of travel, possibly taking into account their socio-economic situation. Some fear driving, but still consider it an essential means of travel, whilst others prefer driving altogether as it gives them a sense of freedom. Public transport is inefficient, annoying, and time consuming. Walking and cycling is another possible means, but our over congested roads, lack of suitable pavements, and an increase in traffic accidents, automatically eliminates these two possible means of travel. Walking through, seems to be slowly returning to the lime-light, as health awareness increases, and our busy lives, a result of technological advances, has resulted in the decrease of movement, and is expected to have an effect on future travel patterns. Others are restricted by their socio-economic background, although they prefer the car as the ultimate means of transport, they cannot afford it and have to satisfy themselves with the public transport system available, or else they have to depend on others. Another element in the study is the status associated with the car. It is evident that people have become so dependent on the private car as their mode of transport that it tops high in the spending ratios of the Maltese households. This dissertation looks into these factors in relation to modal choice within the town of Zurrieq. Travel behaviours in Zurrieq are reconnecting with the use of questionnaires, travel, which will define the dominant patterns of modal choice in this village.