ANALYZING THE TRAVEL INTENTION OF ELDERLY PASSENGERS IN THAILAND’S PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM: A STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELING APPROACH
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55766/sujst11365Keywords:
Elderly, Habit, Intention, Public Transportation, Structural ModelAbstract
This study aims to investigate the factors influencing the intention to use public transportation among older adults in Thailand. The analysis was conducted using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the SERVQUAL framework. Data were collected from 2,250 individuals aged 60 and above, across five regions of the country, through structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The survey instrument consisted of sections on demographic information, travel experience, and perceived service quality. The findings reveal that passenger satisfaction plays a significant and strong role in shaping the intention to use public transport. Positive attitudes toward public transportation were found to have both direct and indirect effects mediated by satisfaction on the behavioral intentions of elderly individuals. In contrast, habitual use of private cars exerts a negative influence on the intention to use public transport. This highlights the need to foster an environment that supports the development of new travel habits, encouraging older adults to shift from private vehicle dependence to public transportation. These insights offer valuable implications for policymakers and relevant stakeholders in understanding the perspectives and needs of elderly public transport users. By implementing a policy framework that promote inclusive and age-friendly public transportation, the results of this study can contribute to advancing social equity and long-term societal resilience.
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