Search

Limited transport access contributes to social exclusion, which negatively influences individual health. However, with the rapidly growing aging population, the problems related to public transport accessibility are becoming increasingly prominent. Therefore, understanding the psychological factors related to public transportation use is critical given that this could lead to greater mobility and social inclusion, particularly for older adults who require special attention. This study utilizes an extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and identifies which psychosocial factors of public transportation use better predict and explain social exclusion. It is unique because it combines perceived ability and social support with the TPB framework to explore the factors that influence social exclusion behavior. Partial least squares structural equation modeling validated a sample of 264 older adults (aged 60 and above) living in selected zones of metropolitan Lahore, Pakistan. The results showed that social norms, attitudes, perceived ability, and social support significantly negatively correlated with social exclusion, whereas perceived behavioral control did not. This study highlights the importance of psychosocial aspects in examining social exclusion and provides recommendations for urban policy makers and transportation planners. The research findings could be equally valuable for developing socially sustainable and healthy urban communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public transport generally addresses the evident mobility needs and offers an often-irreplaceable service, especially for captive users and other disadvantaged population groups. Public transport design and services are closely related to the physical size of modern cities, the number of people living or working in them, and the distribution and organization of work and social activities. However, public transport has been restricted with the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy, since March 2020. Public transport demand collapsed, especially during the lockdown period (March-May 2020), and adverse effects were reported even in the subsequent periods. In fact, the social distancing restrictions have highlighted numerous problems with public transport systems worldwide, primarily due to two factors. The first is related to the spread of the virus via the respiratory route, which is more likely to infect in restricted areas, and the second is associated with a transport system that by definition has high occupancy rates and low spacing throughout the journey (e.g., the positioning of seats or standing places in a train or bus). Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic has substantially impacted the travel choices of users. The pandemic has also negatively affected the psychological state, generating specific problems of anxiety, fear, or stress among all population groups, even when choosing the means of transport to travel with. Given the emerging pandemic challenges, the present study examines the public transport demand characteristics during the various phases of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sicily, one of the most affected regions in Italy. The study investigates the mental state of a population sample that frequently used the local urban or regional public transport to travel to work before and during the pandemic phases in the Sicilian territory. Through the administration of an online survey, it was possible to collect sociodemographic and psychological data to understand the propensity to use public transport. A series of inferential statistical tests were applied to assess the correlation of psychological aspects (i.e., fear, anxiety, and stress) with socio-demographic variables and modal choice habits (trip frequency). Results highlight and evaluate each psychological issue among population groups and their relative role in shaping public transport-related preferences. The study highlights some proposals and their implementation strategies to prevent negative emotions and encourage public transport use in Sicily and generally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perceived norms attached to public transport travel significantly reinforce mobility inequalities. Such mobility inequalities contribute to social exclusion, particularly among vulnerable groups such as older adults. Thus, understanding the antecedents of older adults' social exclusion behaviour is vital in advancing knowledge and promoting social sustainability. We proposed an integrated model and included 384 older adults from diverse socio-demographic backgrounds in Pakistan, examining the impact of social and personal norms of public transport use on social exclusion. Results revealed that social norms of public transport use played an essential role in shaping older adults' social exclusion directly and indirectly via personal norms. Perceived accessibility further moderated the effect of social and personal norms on social exclusion. The antecedents of personal norms (i.e., awareness of consequences and ascription of responsibility) were analyzed based on the Norm Activation Model. This study suggests that the prevalent norms supporting public transport use can act as a complementary policy for promoting independent mobility and, thus, social inclusion among older adults. Transport policymakers and social researchers can consider the findings to develop healthy ageing societies. • Impact of perceived norms of public transport use on social exclusion is analyzed. • Problem awareness, ascription of responsibility & social norm shape personal norm. • Social norms of public transport use could help reduce social exclusion • Perceived accessibility increases the negative effect of norms on social exclusion • We propose suggestions to promote public transport use and social inclusion [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]