Exploring the Needs and Satisfaction of Road-based Public Transport Users in the Philippines: An Examination of Passengers with Reduced Mobility

Abstract

In the Philippines, discussions on making public transportation more accessible usually focus on the needs of persons with disabilities. We further expand this by considering “Passengers with Reduced Mobility” (PRMs) who also include those with travel limitations and other contextual factors. Through an online survey, the needs and satisfaction of road-based public transport users were solicited at various stages of the journey cycle (i.e. from planning until arrival at the destination terminal). The results showed that most PRMs only used public transport on an as-need basis. PRMs also expressed higher demand for information for trip planning purposes as well as assistive services in terminals and vehicles. Overall, PRMs expressed lower satisfaction with their public transportation experiences over non-PRMs. The results of the study can be used to inform short to long term accessibility plans, with the end goal of achieving a truly accessible road-based public transport system.