Assessing the Stated Preference of Transit Users in Abu Dhabi

Abstract

Abu Dhabi, capital city of United Arab Emirates, is an emerging global city. As part of its identity the city aims to provide world class facilities and services in the region, including an effective and sustainable network of public transportation. Understanding transit user perception will provide service recommendations and help identify the trip characteristics, travel behavior and perceptions that can enhance current transit system and provide future recommendations for effective transit network. Due to the lack of information on patterns of transit in use by individuals in Abu Dhabi City, this study applies the transit user stated preference survey to examine the trip characteristics; travel behavior; perception of quality of service, social network and personal characteristics of transit users of Abu Dhabi. Also to determine the effects of weather on these, the survey was administered both in summer and in the winter months of the year. The analysis of respondents provides insights into housing development, transit service enhancement and creation of transit-oriented development within walkable distance of transit stops. As observed from the study, the most targeted destinations are housing and jobs and hence the proximity between these two points is the best way to reduce the travel time and distance. Improving the pedestrian infrastructure within and around the super block can enhance the walking experience to these destination and help increasing walking in general. There is a need to have sufficient transit services during the weekends for work or non-work destinations as well as for late evening commuter trips. Although, the availability of public transit has effectively reduced the use of taxi, the quality of their service needs has room for improvement. Perception of good quality of transit service not only encourages current users to use transit more frequently for other trip purposes, but may also attract non-public transit users to use public transit for future trips.

Date of Award	May 2017
Original language	American English