Ridership Demand Analysis for Palestinian Intercity Public Transport

This article presents results of research to study the intercity bus ridership demand, assess existing services, and form a basis to predict future ridership in the Palestinian territories. This study is the first of its type in the area. Intercity public transport between six governorates in the northern and central dis tricts of the West Bank was examined. The relationship between public transportation demand and both operating and socioeconomic variables that influence demand was established. An on-board survey of intercity bus riders identified some of the variables that can potentially influence ridership demand. A simple linear regression equation of the ridership demand was developed using five independent variables: population of origin city, population of destination city, bus fare, percent of employees at origin city, and percent of higher education students at origin city. Ridership profiles and trip characteristics were also established. The study results can be used to evaluate existing public transportation and forecast future intercity public transport demand. Decision-makers can use the results to improve intercity public transport services and attract more riders. Future research should be based on this simple model, include the impact of other modes on intercity demand, include all governorates of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and establish a comprehensive nationwide model