Abstract:
Public transportation plays a vital role in urban mobility, and enhancing passenger comfort is crucial for attracting ridership and promoting sustainable transportation choices. With the increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, it is essential to examine how these alternative fuel sources impact passenger comforts. This research investigates the factors that influence passenger comfort in electric vehicles (EVs) and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, offering a comparative analysis of passenger experiences in these sustainable public transportation modes. The study focused on key comfort parameters like noise levels, passenger count, temperature, humidity, and vehicle speed etc. within the Delhi National Capital Territory (NCT). A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining device-based measurements of objective comfort factors with questionnaire-based surveys to capture passengers' subjective experiences and preferences. The collected data was analysed to create a passenger comfort index using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). This index incorporates insights from the research and accounts for additional comfort parameters often missing from traditional Service Level Benchmarking (SLB) in public transportation. The findings indicate that EVs and CNG buses offer distinct advantages and potential areas for improvement in terms of passenger comfort. The resulting passenger comfort index and accompanying analysis provide a valuable resource for transportation planners, policymakers, and vehicle manufacturers. By understanding the nuances of passenger comfort in these environmentally friendly modes, stakeholders can implement targeted strategies to enhance the overall passenger experience. This research contributes to promoting sustainable transportation choices by ensuring passenger comfort remains a central consideration in urban mobility solutions. In conclusion, the study offers valuable insights into the factors that influence passenger comfort in environmentally-conscious public transportation. The resulting passenger comfort index and policy recommendations can inform decision-makers, transportation providers, and vehicle manufacturers, leading to improved passenger experiences and increased adoption of transportation modes.
Keywords: Passenger comfort, public transportation, Noise levels, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Service Level Benchmarking (SLB)
