Analysis of Barriers to Effective Public Transport: A Multi-Criteria Decision Making Approach
Abstract:
Efficient public transportation (PT) offers significant opportunities as an environmentally friendly, affordable, and inclusive mobility option. It contributes to reduced vehicle emissions, decreases reliance on fossil fuels, and increases accessibility, particularly for low-income individuals who are often captive users of PT. Despite these benefits, PT systems globally usually fall short of meeting their key performance indicators (KPIs). The underperformance is largely attributed to a variety of barriers that adversely hamper strategic planning, execution, and system optimization. A comprehensive understanding of these barriers and their interactions is valuable for policymakers, and PT operators seeking to develop strategies and policies to maximise the potential of PT systems. In response to this situation, the present study identified 23 barriers affecting the ef fectiveness of PT through an extensive literature review and consultations with industry experts. The barriers identified were then structured hierarchically using interpretive structural modelling (ISM) and categorised using “Matrice’ d’ Impacts Croises Multiplication Applique’ an Classment” (MICMAC) method. The anal ysis identified “financial constraints”, “lack of strategic visionary leadership”, “excessive trade unionism and political interference”, “high implementation and maintenance costs”, “inadequacy of designed training programs”, “lack of qualified and committed superiors”, “corruption within the organisation” and “lack of knowledgeable, committed, trained and motivated staff” as the most influencing barriers within the PT system. Policymakers need to address these highly influential barriers through robust regulatory interventions and appropriate strategic plans and to unlock the full potential and create a sustainable, resilient and competitive PT system.
