Agent based modeling and simulation approach to identify and classify the key influential factors for satisfaction of public transport users

The issue of mobility from disadvantaged areas to places of interest for work, health care, education, or entertainment poses specific challenges that cannot be approached under the same prism as that of well-resourced areas. In such areas, commuters are often captive of available transportation modes. However, very few studies have focused on identifying the key factors that influence the satisfaction of these commuters. In this paper, we introduce an agent based modeling and simulation approach, to identify and classify these factors. We show, for the case study of a township in South Africa, that speed and quality of the infrastructure are crucial factors, while waiting time and accessibility are to be improved; safety and travel time being to be watched. Then recommendations are provided to improve the service according to these factors.