Determinants of students’ behavior in using light rail transit in Hanoi

Abstract

On November 6th, 2021, the first light rail transit (LRT) began operating in Vietnam after a decade of construction. This project aimed to alleviate traffic congestion in the road network of the Hanoi capital. However, despite the deployment of the transit service, passenger volume remains under-capacity, raising questions about how to encourage people, particularly young individuals, to use the new public transit. Hence, this study investigated students’ behavior in choosing the LRT as a means of transport. Statistical analysis of the questionnaire survey showed that the satisfaction level was the dominant factor affecting the mode choices of students. Besides, distance from home to school and LRT station accessibility significantly influenced students’ traveling behavior. These findings provide fundamental insight into young Vietnamese individuals’ behavior regarding a new transit service. We believe these outcomes would help support policy-makers and service providers in improving the LRT projects’ efficiency.