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Volume 39, Issue 4 (2024)
GeoRes 2024, 39(4): 443-450 |
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Received: 2024/10/26 | Accepted: 2024/12/1 | Published: 2024/12/15
Received: 2024/10/26 | Accepted: 2024/12/1 | Published: 2024/12/15
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Bharestani A, Razvani A, Rajabi A. The Factors Affecting the Satisfaction of Disabled Individuals with the Tehran Bus Rapid Transfer System According to Social Justice. GeoRes 2024; 39 (4) :443-450
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1- Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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Background
The increase in population and private vehicles has led to urban traffic congestion, and the implementation of the BRT system has been proposed as a solution to reduce it. However, urban infrastructure, including public transportation, has not been adapted adequately, especially for people with disabilities and mobility impairments, making access to urban spaces a significant challenge for this group.
Previous Studies
Numerous studies have evaluated the performance of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems in various cities. Beiti et al. (2014) have examined the impact of BRT implementation on residential and commercial areas in Tabriz, revealing that the effects varied depending on land use types. Similarly, Saghaee et al. (2014) have assessed the performance of BRT in Isfahan based on transportation indicators from passengers’ perspectives and reported satisfactory outcomes. However, most of these studies do not address the needs of individuals with disabilities. In another study, Babaei & Hedayati (2020) identify factors that could improve access to public transportation for people with disabilities in the city of Sari, such as installing ramps, wheelchair spaces, and sidewalk adaptations. Furthermore, Babaei and Hedayati (2020) have investigated the factors influencing travel mode choices among disabled individuals in Hamedan, finding that variables like the need for and ownership of a wheelchair played a significant role.
Aim(s)
This study was conducted with the aim of proposing strategies for organizing and optimizing BRT lines for individuals with disabilities.
Research Type
This research was applied in nature.
Research Society, Place and Time
This study was conducted in 2024-2025 in the city of Tehran. The statistical population consisted of individuals with physical disabilities who used the BRT public transportation system at least once a week on the route from Tehranpars Intersection to Azadi Square.
Sampling Method and Number
The sampling method in this study was simple random sampling, and the sample size included 100 individuals with physical disabilities. The inclusion criteria were regular use (at least once a week) of Tehran's BRT lines, having a physical disability, and willingness to participate in the study.
Used Devices & Materials
The data collection tool in this study was a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of 20 closed-ended questions using a five-point Likert scale (ranging from "strongly disagree" to "strongly agree"). To ensure content validity, the CVR and CVI indices were used along with the opinions of five experts in the fields of public transportation and rehabilitation. Additionally, a pilot test was conducted with 15 individuals with disabilities to assess comprehensibility and revise the questions. For data analysis, Python software and statistical libraries such as Pandas, Statsmodels, and Matplotlib were used.
Findings by Text
The methodology of this study was based on a multiple linear regression model designed to examine the impact of four independent factors including accessibility, waiting time, comfort, and support for individuals with disabilities on the satisfaction level of people with physical disabilities regarding the BRT public transportation system. The results of the statistical modeling indicated that the proposed model could effectively explain variations in satisfaction. The coefficient of determination (R²) was calculated as 0.915, and the adjusted R² was 0.911, indicating a high explanatory power of the model. Furthermore, the F-test value of 255.6 with a significance level of less than 0.05 confirmed the overall significance of the model. In terms of model fit indices, the AIC and BIC values were 616.8 and 629.9, respectively, reflecting the model's strong structural adequacy.
Regression analysis results showed that all independent parameters had a statistically significant effect on satisfaction at the 0.001 level (Table 1). Among these, accessibility (coefficient: 4.5539) and support for individuals with disabilities (coefficient: 5.3618) had the most significant positive impacts, while waiting time (negative coefficient: –2.8957) had a significant negative effect. Comfort also played a positive role with a coefficient of 1.8161.
Table 1. Relationship between accessibility, waiting time, comfort, and support for individuals with disabilities and satisfaction level using OLS regression
Satisfaction increases with greater accessibility and comfort, while longer waiting times have a negative impact. Additionally, strong support for individuals with disabilities is closely associated with higher levels of satisfaction (Figure 1). These findings strongly highlighted the importance of improving these four factors to enhance the satisfaction of users with disabilities in the public transportation system.
Figure 1. Graphs showing the relationships between: a) Accessibility and Satisfaction, b) Waiting Time and Satisfaction, c) Comfort and Satisfaction, and d) Support for Individuals with Disabilities and Satisfaction.
Main Comparisons to Similar Studies
The present study, fully aligned with previous research, emphasizes that key factors such as proper accessibility, reduced waiting times, physical and psychological comfort, and specialized support have a significant impact on the satisfaction of individuals with disabilities regarding public transportation systems. In particular, the findings related to the importance of accessible stations and appropriate facilities are consistent with the results of Mwaka et al. (2023, 2024), who showed that stations equipped with ramps, elevators, and sufficient space for wheelchair movement lead to higher satisfaction levels. Similarly, the study by Aarhaug & Elvebakk (2015) highlighted that inclusive station design enhances independence and satisfaction. Waiting time, as identified in this study, also emerged as a negative factor, in line with the findings of Shakespeare & Watson (2001) and Watkins et al. (2011). Furthermore, the importance of physical and psychological comfort corresponds with the results of Rezaie (2019) and Manby (2022). Finally, the impact of specialized support is also confirmed by studies conducted by Brown et al. (2017) and Mitchel et al. (2022).
Suggestions
Practical recommendations include developing accessible stations for individuals with disabilities by providing ramps, elevators, and other specialized facilities; improving waiting conditions at stations through accurate information systems and reduced wait times; designing public transportation vehicles with consideration for the comfort and specific needs of people with disabilities; offering financial and social support to encourage greater use of public transport by individuals with disabilities; and training public transportation staff to provide better services to people with disabilities.
Conclusion
Practical recommendations include developing accessible stations for individuals with disabilities by providing ramps, elevators, and other specialized facilities; improving waiting conditions at stations through accurate information systems and reduced wait times; designing public transportation vehicles with consideration for the comfort and specific needs of people with disabilities; offering financial and social support to encourage greater use of public transport by individuals with disabilities; and training public transportation staff to provide better services to people with disabilities.
Acknowledgments: The authors express their gratitude to all participants who contributed to this study.
Ethical Permission: No ethical issues have been reported by the authors.
Conflict of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Author Contributions: Baharestani A (First Author): Introduction Writer / Main Researcher/Statistical Analyst (40%); Rezvani A (Second Author): Methodologist/Discussion Writer (30%); Rajabi A (Third Author): Assistant Researcher/Statistical Analyst (30%)
Funding: This article is derived from a thesis conducted at Islamic Azad University, Tehran Branch.
The increase in population and private vehicles has led to urban traffic congestion, and the implementation of the BRT system has been proposed as a solution to reduce it. However, urban infrastructure, including public transportation, has not been adapted adequately, especially for people with disabilities and mobility impairments, making access to urban spaces a significant challenge for this group.
Previous Studies
Numerous studies have evaluated the performance of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems in various cities. Beiti et al. (2014) have examined the impact of BRT implementation on residential and commercial areas in Tabriz, revealing that the effects varied depending on land use types. Similarly, Saghaee et al. (2014) have assessed the performance of BRT in Isfahan based on transportation indicators from passengers’ perspectives and reported satisfactory outcomes. However, most of these studies do not address the needs of individuals with disabilities. In another study, Babaei & Hedayati (2020) identify factors that could improve access to public transportation for people with disabilities in the city of Sari, such as installing ramps, wheelchair spaces, and sidewalk adaptations. Furthermore, Babaei and Hedayati (2020) have investigated the factors influencing travel mode choices among disabled individuals in Hamedan, finding that variables like the need for and ownership of a wheelchair played a significant role.
Aim(s)
This study was conducted with the aim of proposing strategies for organizing and optimizing BRT lines for individuals with disabilities.
Research Type
This research was applied in nature.
Research Society, Place and Time
This study was conducted in 2024-2025 in the city of Tehran. The statistical population consisted of individuals with physical disabilities who used the BRT public transportation system at least once a week on the route from Tehranpars Intersection to Azadi Square.
Sampling Method and Number
The sampling method in this study was simple random sampling, and the sample size included 100 individuals with physical disabilities. The inclusion criteria were regular use (at least once a week) of Tehran's BRT lines, having a physical disability, and willingness to participate in the study.
Used Devices & Materials
The data collection tool in this study was a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of 20 closed-ended questions using a five-point Likert scale (ranging from "strongly disagree" to "strongly agree"). To ensure content validity, the CVR and CVI indices were used along with the opinions of five experts in the fields of public transportation and rehabilitation. Additionally, a pilot test was conducted with 15 individuals with disabilities to assess comprehensibility and revise the questions. For data analysis, Python software and statistical libraries such as Pandas, Statsmodels, and Matplotlib were used.
Findings by Text
The methodology of this study was based on a multiple linear regression model designed to examine the impact of four independent factors including accessibility, waiting time, comfort, and support for individuals with disabilities on the satisfaction level of people with physical disabilities regarding the BRT public transportation system. The results of the statistical modeling indicated that the proposed model could effectively explain variations in satisfaction. The coefficient of determination (R²) was calculated as 0.915, and the adjusted R² was 0.911, indicating a high explanatory power of the model. Furthermore, the F-test value of 255.6 with a significance level of less than 0.05 confirmed the overall significance of the model. In terms of model fit indices, the AIC and BIC values were 616.8 and 629.9, respectively, reflecting the model's strong structural adequacy.
Regression analysis results showed that all independent parameters had a statistically significant effect on satisfaction at the 0.001 level (Table 1). Among these, accessibility (coefficient: 4.5539) and support for individuals with disabilities (coefficient: 5.3618) had the most significant positive impacts, while waiting time (negative coefficient: –2.8957) had a significant negative effect. Comfort also played a positive role with a coefficient of 1.8161.
Table 1. Relationship between accessibility, waiting time, comfort, and support for individuals with disabilities and satisfaction level using OLS regression
Satisfaction increases with greater accessibility and comfort, while longer waiting times have a negative impact. Additionally, strong support for individuals with disabilities is closely associated with higher levels of satisfaction (Figure 1). These findings strongly highlighted the importance of improving these four factors to enhance the satisfaction of users with disabilities in the public transportation system.
Figure 1. Graphs showing the relationships between: a) Accessibility and Satisfaction, b) Waiting Time and Satisfaction, c) Comfort and Satisfaction, and d) Support for Individuals with Disabilities and Satisfaction.
Main Comparisons to Similar Studies
The present study, fully aligned with previous research, emphasizes that key factors such as proper accessibility, reduced waiting times, physical and psychological comfort, and specialized support have a significant impact on the satisfaction of individuals with disabilities regarding public transportation systems. In particular, the findings related to the importance of accessible stations and appropriate facilities are consistent with the results of Mwaka et al. (2023, 2024), who showed that stations equipped with ramps, elevators, and sufficient space for wheelchair movement lead to higher satisfaction levels. Similarly, the study by Aarhaug & Elvebakk (2015) highlighted that inclusive station design enhances independence and satisfaction. Waiting time, as identified in this study, also emerged as a negative factor, in line with the findings of Shakespeare & Watson (2001) and Watkins et al. (2011). Furthermore, the importance of physical and psychological comfort corresponds with the results of Rezaie (2019) and Manby (2022). Finally, the impact of specialized support is also confirmed by studies conducted by Brown et al. (2017) and Mitchel et al. (2022).
Suggestions
Practical recommendations include developing accessible stations for individuals with disabilities by providing ramps, elevators, and other specialized facilities; improving waiting conditions at stations through accurate information systems and reduced wait times; designing public transportation vehicles with consideration for the comfort and specific needs of people with disabilities; offering financial and social support to encourage greater use of public transport by individuals with disabilities; and training public transportation staff to provide better services to people with disabilities.
Conclusion
Practical recommendations include developing accessible stations for individuals with disabilities by providing ramps, elevators, and other specialized facilities; improving waiting conditions at stations through accurate information systems and reduced wait times; designing public transportation vehicles with consideration for the comfort and specific needs of people with disabilities; offering financial and social support to encourage greater use of public transport by individuals with disabilities; and training public transportation staff to provide better services to people with disabilities.
Acknowledgments: The authors express their gratitude to all participants who contributed to this study.
Ethical Permission: No ethical issues have been reported by the authors.
Conflict of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Author Contributions: Baharestani A (First Author): Introduction Writer / Main Researcher/Statistical Analyst (40%); Rezvani A (Second Author): Methodologist/Discussion Writer (30%); Rajabi A (Third Author): Assistant Researcher/Statistical Analyst (30%)
Funding: This article is derived from a thesis conducted at Islamic Azad University, Tehran Branch.
Keywords:
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