ALTERNATIVE MODES OF COMMUTING IN TERTIARY SCHOOLS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF A QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Abstract

With sustainability and resilience gaining awareness worldwide, cities are now placing greater focus in ensuring sustainable urban mobility. The rapid increase in motorised private vehicles on the roads are considered environmentally unsustainable and this thus incentivises the government to explore alternative modes of transportation. This also seeks to tackle the issue of the first- and last-mile connectivity.

This study is motivated by the massive and mundane day-to-day commuting taking place on large university campuses. The research questions whether sustainable modes of commuting can be translated onto campuses as alternative options for students. This study focuses on how infrastructure, safety and convenience can influence commuting choices made by individuals. Taking into consideration the recency of e-scooter sharing as a mode of commute, literature drawn discusses the effect of bike sharing which is similar to e-scooter sharing in nature. Further studies on the feasibility of GrabWheels were then conducted to examine the possibilities of such modes on campus.

In this paper, findings were gathered through the use of descriptive and statistical analysis methods. Statistical methods include the use of a multiple linear regression and a two-sample t-test. Findings of the paper shows a need for alternative modes of commuting on campus with dissatisfaction expressed by students on the dominant mode of commute. In exploring the feasibilities of GrabWheels on campus, the outlook remains positive on the condition that the university put in place adequate infrastructure and safety regulations.

Contributing to the limited studies on alternative modes of commute on campuses, findings of this paper provides implications and suggestions for policymakers and future transportation plans.