Normative surveys to determine end-user perceptions of public transport interchanges

Abstract

Paper presented at the 23rd Annual Southern African Transport Conference 12 - 15 July 2004 "Getting recognition for the importance of transport", CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria, South Africa. The way in which the users of a Public Transport Interchange (PTI) perceive their environment is of the greatest importance in determining the ideal PTI. In order to gain insight into the perceptions of PTI end-users, a survey was done by means of the descriptive survey method and personal interviews. The aforementioned end-users needed to be classified in distinct groups due to the fact that each group has different perspectives and needs with regards to a PTI. These groups consisted of passengers, transport operators, informal traders and formal traders. Six destination PTIs with different socio-economic settings in Cape Town were chosen for the survey. Destination PTIs were chosen because they are characterised by a higher concentration and diversity of activities, which means that more can be learnt from them with regards to the performance successes or failures of public transport interchanges. A total of 1 696 respondents represented the sample population for this survey. These comprised of 1 055 passengers, 289 transport operators, 203 informal traders and 149 formal traders. This paper will describe in detail the survey process that was followed; the numerous obstacles encountered and highlight some unexpected findings.