Abstract
What is the relationship between web-based information on safety and the trust of railroad companies? This study investigated the effect of website information on the public’s trust of railroad companies. Two hundred and eighty-four adults were selected from internet users residing in the Tokyo Metropolitan area. Participants reviewed the company’s website for 10 minutes, looking specifically at the safety of public transportation, and rated the trustworthiness of railroad companies. The results showed that feelings of trust increased among the participants after viewing the websites for all target companies. Our results also suggested that most participants spent more time viewing the web pages on safety measures and on train service, and that this website information had positive effects on the trust in companies analyzed.
