The satisfaction and usage of public transport in EU countries

Transport sector has been recognized as a major contributor to climate change problem. Thus, the promotion of public transport usage is one of the main tools to reduce environmental impact in this sector, and is one of aspects seeking sustainable consumption. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of public transport usage and the main determinants in European Union (EU) countries. Referring to the Eurobarometer’s survey (2014) the results showed that the level of public transport usage in EU was rather low and it significantly depends on countries’ economic development. In economically stronger countries respondents were less linked to use public transport. The satisfaction level of public transport frequency and reliability, comfort and safety, price of tickets and amenities at stop and station differed among EU countries as well. Applying the regression analysis and including the satisfaction levels, distance to get to the nearest station or stop from your home and social-demographic variables as age and gender in the model, the main determinates of public transport usage in separate EU countries were analysed. The results showed that in a half of EU countries the satisfaction of ticket price and the distance to nearest stations had significant impact on public transport usage. Meanwhile in eight EU countries the satisfaction of public transport frequency and reliability, and in six EU countries the comfort and safety had significant effect. Furthermore, in majority EU countries women and older respondents were linked more to use public transport. Therefore, this study is very important for seeking to enhance the level of public transport usage by considering circumstances in separate EU countries.