The Case for the Development of Public Transit in an Urban Boundary Rural Area

Individuals’ preferences for automobiles are often taken for granted in our auto centric society. This study attempts to determine if commuters in a city located beyond the fringe of a metropolitan area are willing to use public transit if it is developed and what are the socioeconomic and attitudinal factors that influence individuals’ decision to use such a service. Analyses of survey data reveal that preferences exist for public transit service, which can be partly attributed to individuals’ concerns regarding rising gasoline prices and air pollution, and is particularly noticeable among those who are educated and/or belong to a younger age group.