Reimagining Urban Mobility: The Relationship Between Public Awareness and Demand for Public Transportation in Hat Yai Municipality, Songkhla Province
Keywords:
awareness, demand, public transportation systemsAbstract
Public transportation is a crucial form of infrastructure that plays a vital role in urban development, particularly in the contemporary context where cities are facing rapid urbanization. This study aimed to examine the relationship between citizens’ awareness of the benefits and values of public transportation and their demand for public transportation in Hat Yai Municipality, Songkhla Province. A quantitative research approach was employed, using a sample of 140 respondents. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using multiple linear regression. The findings revealed that citizens’ positive awareness of public transportation and their frequency of public transportation were positively associated with their demand for public transportation, while other variables did not exhibit significant associations with demand. These results suggest that the development of public transportation should prioritize enhancing positive public awareness, providing services that align with people’s travel purposes, and ensuring affordable fare structures to promote equitable access. Such efforts are essential for improving urban quality of life and advancing sustainable development, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 11.
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