Willingness-to-pay (WTP) additional safety protection for bus users: post-COVID-19 case study of Penang City

Nur Sabahiah Abdul Sukor, Ahmad Nazrul Hakimi Ibrahim and Sitti Asmah Hassan

Chapter 8 in Research Handbook on Transport and COVID-19, 2025, pp 165-178 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This study conducted a comprehensive investigation into the willingness to accept (WTA) additional costs for enhanced safety measures in public transportation due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. with a focus on the population of Penang (Malaysia), a thorough analysis was conducted on various criteria, including socio-demographic data, frequency of public transportation usage, and the inclination to utilise such services. The primary objective of this study was to identify the key elements that impact individuals’ tendency to support safety-enhancing efforts implemented by public transportation operators. Throughout two months, a substantial sample of 450 participants participated in constructed questionnaire surveys. This study used Pearson correlation analysis to uncover the associations between participants’ WTA additional fees and the intricate fabric of socio-demographic characteristics. Next, the regression analysis was done to identify significant variables impacting the WTA extra costs. Regression analysis showed that three important factors had apparent effects. Age has become significant in whether or not someone is willing to pay additional costs. The next factor is the frequency of using public transportation services. This chapter gives a conclusive argument that age, the frequency of use of public transportation, and the tendency to use such public transport influence a person's willingness to pay additional charges.

Keywords: Covid-19; Willingness-to-pay; WTP; Safety protection; Bus users (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781802208009
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