Public transport passengers’ valuation of universal design and comfort

Many qualities of public transport affect the well-being of the users. Some users are willing to pay extra, in ticket costs or time spent, to achieve or maintain higher quality levels on public transport modes and their stops or stations. Many measures for strengthening the universal design of public transport will also increase the quality in general, for all users. Most of the participants in our survey assessed the stops/stations they had used as relatively easily accessible, although they were also considered relatively secluded from other activity (businesses/residences). The lighting was considered partly deficient, and there was a lack of information about the surrounding area and lack facilities such as a bicycle rack. Almost one in five stated special needs when traveling by public transport. The users indicated a relatively high willingness to pay for shelter and light on the stops/platforms and non-slippery surface and lighting on adjacent roads/sidewalks. Maintenance and cleaning, at the stops and on board, were also relatively highly valued. Seating and mobile coverage on board also achieved high willingness to pay estimates, as well as visual information about the next stop, temperature adjustment and air regulation, as well as drivers with "soft" driving style.