Behavioral Intentions of using Paratransit Services for Enhancing Accessibility at Metro Bus Stations

Abstract

Behavior plays an important role in developing individual perception and attitude, which assist in making decisions, and especially in selecting transportation modes. Among various theories, the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and interpersonal behavior (TIB) are used to determine users’ intentions in using paratransit service in an area with conservative social norms, status-conscious and Asian culture as compared to developed nations. In this study, various contextual factors were investigated to determine the behavior of people. These factors are processed through the structural equation modeling technique to determine the effects of all considered constructs. It is revealed that attitude and perceived behavioral control were significant predictors of intentions. Additionally, it is further influenced by positive emotions indirectly through attitude and perceived behavioral control. Unlike other studies, negative emotions have not been found to be significant across all paths. This indicates that positive emotions play a significant role in shaping behavior to choose travel mode. However, affect remains insignificant, although it has found a significant impact on intentions through attitude. Therefore, experiences from travel patterns are fruitful in developing their cognition, based on which they will be able to decide whether to choose or not. The findings also revealed that females are more inclined towards using paratransit than males. The implications of the discussed matters would impact the shaping of transit policies and strategies for attaining sustainability.