A report from Conduent, based on surveys from 23 cities in multiple countries, offers some broad insight into why commuters choose certain modes over others. Despite drivers citing the reliability of cars, for example, they also report experiencing the most delays (70 percent of the time). Transit riders, on the other hand, are more open to building in expectations for delays by using the transit information available to them.
Alissa Walker at Curbed LA explains that expectations play a role in satisfaction and choices:
So why do drivers believe they’re more delayed than bus riders? It’s because of situational thinking, the difference between our expectations and reality, says Scott Silence, chief innovation officer at Conduent. When you choose to drive you expect to have total control, but when you ride the bus you’ve factored in the potential for disruptions. The disparity between what you expect and what you experience is what ultimately causes stress and frustration.
Transit riders with accurate information have a closer conception of what their travel time should look like, meaning they are more likely to be satisfied with their trip. Cities who have not yet made available open, real-time transit data, then, should consider the role of information within travel decisions.
Read the complete article at Curbed
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