Enhancing Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) Passenger Satisfaction through Service Quality at Ahmedabad Janmarg Limited
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10652796Keywords:
bus rapid transit system (brts), public transportation, service quality, passenger satisfaction, servqualAbstract
This research article investigates the relationship between service quality and passengers' satisfaction in the context of Bus Rapid Transit Systems (BRTS). As urbanization accelerates and the demand for efficient public transportation grows, understanding the factors that contribute to passengers' satisfaction becomes imperative for the successful implementation and sustainability of BRTS.
The study employs use of survey to gather comprehensive insights from BRTS passengers. The research framework integrates the SERVQUAL model and other relevant theories to assess the dimensions of service quality, including reliability, responsiveness, assurance, empathy and tangibility.
A structured survey was distributed to a representative sample of BRTS passengers. The analysis explores the relationship between perceived service quality and passengers' satisfaction levels identifying critical factors influencing the overall passenger experience.
This research article aims to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on public transportation management specifically focusing on BRTS. By identifying key factors influencing passengers' satisfaction, transit authorities can implement targeted improvements, ultimately leading to enhanced service quality and a more positive overall transit experience for BRTS users. Findings from this research contribute to the theoretical understanding of service quality in BRTS and provide practical implications for transit authorities and policymakers. Recommendations for enhancing specific service quality dimensions are discussed to improve passenger satisfaction and encourage sustainable ridership.
Downloads
References
Abdullah, K., Jan, M.T., & Manaf, N.H.A. (2012). A structural equation modelling approach to validate the dimensions of SERVPERF in airline industry of Malaysia. International Journal of Engineering and Management Sciences, 3(2), 134-141.
Azani, A.A.N., Abu Bakar, N.S., Abd Rahman, S.Z., Tengku Jesceedza, T.N.S.E, & Radzuan, K. (2017). Students' satisfaction towards bus service performance. School of Technology Management and Logistics, College of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Sintok, Kedah.
Barabino, B., Deiana, E., & Tilocca, P. (2012). Measuring service quality in urban bus transport: a modified SERVQUAL approach. International Journal of Quality and Service Sciences, 4(3), 238-252.
Bates, J., Polak, J., Jones, P., & Cook, A. (2001). The valuation of reliability for personal travel. Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, 37(2-3), 191-229.
Beirão, G., & Cabral, J.S. (2007). Understanding attitudes towards public transport and private car: a qualitative study. Transport Policy, 14(6), 478-489.
Berry, L.L., Zeithaml, V.A., & Parasuraman, A. (1990). Five imperatives for improving service quality. MIT Sloan Management Review, 31(4), 29-38.
Budiono, O. A. (2009). Customer satisfaction in public bus transport. A study of travelers perception in Indonesia. Karlstad University, Indonesia.
Etgar, M., & Fuchs, G. (2009). Why and how service quality perceptions impact consumer responses. Journal of Service Theory and Practice, 19(4), 474-485.
Friman, M. (2004). Implementing quality improvements in public transport. Journal of Public Transportation, 7(4), 49-65.
Friman, M., & Edvardsson, B. (2003). A content analysis of complaints and compliments. Managing Service Quality: An International Journal, 13(1), 20-26.
Friman, M., & Fellesson, M. (2009). Service supply and customer satisfaction in public transportation: The quality paradox. Journal of Public Transportation, 12(4), 57-69.
Friman, M., Gärling, T., & Ettema, D. (2019). Improvement of public transport services for non-cycling travellers. Travel Behaviour and Society, 16, 235-240.
Gatersleben, B., & Uzzell, D. (2007). Affective appraisals of the daily commute comparing perceptions of drivers, cyclists, walkers and users of public transportation. Environment and Behaviour, 39(3), 416-431.
Gronroos, C. (1984). A service quality model and its marketing implications. European Journal of Marketing, 18(4), 36-44.
Hensher, D. A., Stopher, P., & Bullock, P. (2003). Service quality - developing a service quality index in the provision of commercial bus contracts. Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 37(6), 499-517.
Hoffman, K.D., & Bateson, J.E. (2006). Services marketing: Concepts, strategies, and cases. (4th ed.), South Western Cengage Learning.
Jun, T.W. (2012). Customer satisfaction towards the service quality of public transportation in Kuching area. Universiti Malaysia Sarawak.
Korale, V., Mandari, J., & Suh, M.R. (2015), Customer satisfaction in public transportation - A study of SJ traveller’s perception in Sweden. Mälardalen University, School of Business, Society and Engineering (EST).
Li, Z., Hensher, D.A., & Rose, J. M. (2010). Willingness to pay for travel time reliability in passenger transport: a review and some new empirical evidence. Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, 46(3), 384-403.
Lovelock, C., & Wirtz, J. (2011). Services marketing: People, technology, strategy. (7th ed.).
Mudenda, C., & Guga, P. (2017). An assessment of the relationship between service quality and customer satisfaction - a case of a public passenger road transportation company in Zambia. International Review of Management and Business Research, 6(2), 541-555.
Murambi, D.N., & Bwisa, H.M. (2014). Service quality and customer satisfaction in public transport sector of Kenya: a survey of shuttle travellers in kitale terminus. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 4(9), 402-412.
Nkyami, R. (2016). The influence of service quality on customer satisfaction in intercity public transportation: A case of a alsaedy high class bus service. The Open University, Tanzania.
Nor Filianie, B.A. (2013). A study on service quality in relations towards customer satisfaction among express bus customer in Kuantan. Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Faculty of Technology, Pahang.
Nutsugbodo, R.Y. (2013). Tourists’ perceptions of the quality of public transportation services in the Accra metropolis: a SERVQUAL approach. African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, 2(4), 1-8.
Oyeobu, A.J., Oyebisi, T.O., Olateju, O.I., & Sesede, T. (2014). An assessment of effects of service quality on performance of a road transport company in Nigeria. International Journal of Engineering Research and Technology, 3(2), 11-19.
Parahoo, S.K., Harvey, H.L., & Radi, G.Y. (2014). Satisfaction of tourists with public transportation: an empirical investigation in Dubai. Journal of Travel and Tourism Marketing, 31(8), 1004-1017.
Perez, M.S., Fernandez, R.S., & Abad, J.C. (2007). Effects of dimensions on behavioural purchase intentions: a study in public sector transport. Managing Service Quality, 17(2), 134-151.
Phoebe, O. (2017), Factors influencing customer satisfaction in public transport sector: A case of Matatus in central business district Nairobi-Kenya. University of Nairobi.
Prasad, M.D., & Shekhar, B.R. (2010), Impact of service quality management (SQM) practices on Indian railways: A study of south-central railways. School of Management Studies, University of Hyderabad, India.
Radam, I. F., Kartadipura, R.H., & Yuliana, C. (2014). Passengers’ perception of service quality of intercity public transport: a Banjarmasin case study. IOSR Journal of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, 11(6), 11-16.
Rajeswari, V., & Kumari, S.K. (2014). Satisfaction and service quality in Indian Railways - a study on passenger perspective. IOSR Journal of Economics and Finance, 4(1), 58-66.
Vanniarajan, T., & Stephen, A. (2008). Railqual and passenger satisfaction: an empirical study in southern Railways. Asia Pacific Business Review, 4(1), 64-75.
Wijaya, D. H. (2009). Study of service quality in public bus transport: Customer complaint handling and service standards design, Case study in Tranjakarta Busway and Varmlandstrafik AB Bus. Karlstads Universitets, Faculty of Economic Sciences, Communication and IT.
Zeithaml, V., & Bitner, M. (2006). Services marketing: Integrating customer focus across firm. (4th ed.), Boston: McGraw Hill.
Zheng, L.I.N., & Jiaqing, W.U. (2007). Summary of the application effect of bus rapid transit at Beijing South-Centre corridor of China. Journal of Transportation Systems Engineering and Information Technology, 7(4), 137-142.
Zineldin, M. (2005). Quality and customer relationship management (CRM) as competitive strategy in the Swedish banking industry. The TQM Magazine, 17(4), 329-344.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2023 Vishal B. Khanama, Dr. Vishal B. Javiya
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.