Reasons why people don't use public transport

There are a number of reasons why people don't use public transport ranging from travel time, comfort, convenience and perceptions.  These include the following :

• The location of stations or stops, which are not suitable for the needs of the users
• The timetable design does not take into consideration requirements of users, which means that the service is not at suitable intervals, which leads to overcrowding, long waits and frustrated users
• The correct mode may not service the key origin and destination points, which may lead to an ineffective service
• Concern around safety and security of the users both on the service as well as waiting for the service.  This is of major concern during the off-peak periods when fewer people are using the service.
• A lack of investment in the public transport sector, particularly in South Africa has led to old technology and the associated unreliability
• The service is slower than private vehicles, especially if a bus service needs to make a number of stops along the way
• The lack of an integrated system means that the different modes are in competition with one another rather than working on providing a single, more efficient service

Many of the reasons can be dealt with by upgrading current systems to modern, efficient and reliable systems, but the perception around public transport will take much longer to change.  This will require extensive marketing and communication, similar to that of car advertisers in order to create the shift.  Although increasing fuel prices, may play a role, it is generally felt that the fuel price will need to increase dramatically (double or triple in cost per litre) before people will concern making a change.  

See our "Making the Case for Public Transport" booklet for more information on the social, economic and environmental benefits of a shift to public transport.