The role of safety in modal choice and shift: a transport users’ perspective in Australia

Objective: This study explored the perspectives of transport users about the role of safety in modal choice and shift and the use of safer modes of public transport. Methods: An online survey explored current modal choice and potential modal shift, consideration of safety in mode selection, and the importance of safety compared to other factors. The survey data were analysed using descriptive and significant analysis to identify key perspectives among transport users. Results: While many participants favour alternative modes over the safest public transport options, a significant percentage contemplate a modal shift with increasing interest in public transport. Although most participants recognise the importance of safety in general, it ranks low when ranked against other factors in both modal choice and modal shift considerations. However, safety gains a higher position in modal shift deliberations. Key factors influencing both modal choice and modal shift include time, journey utilisation, personal safety, cost, convenience, and mode availability. Younger participants, students, and those travelling for study purposes are shown to prioritise safety less. Students and young individuals prioritise time, while older individuals, retirees, and the self-employed prioritise convenience. Those with travel needs prioritise certainty and personal safety. Conclusions: The role of safety in the current modal choice process is limited, but it becomes more considerable for future modal shifts, especially with increased user focus on transitioning towards safer public transport modes. This, alongside the overall recognition of transport safety, presents an opportunity to mitigate road injuries through modal shift. However, policymakers need to prioritise improvements to public transport that address crucial factors influencing modal choice, as well as demographic variations, to encourage a shift towards public transport. Targeted interventions aimed at promoting safer transportation modes have the potential to alter travel behaviour, potentially leading to a reduction in road fatalities and serious injuries.