Assessment of the impacts of harsh weather on use of sustainable transport options: the case of Dubai 203, Ali El Masri and Prof. Ghassan Abu-Lebdeh
Ali El Masri
Boom Construction Company
United Arab Emirates
Professor Ghassan Abu-Lebdeh
American University of Sharjah
United Arab Emirates
Purpose: This research aims to examine the impacts of harsh environments (hot and humid weather) on use of sustainable transport modes (Specifi cally Mass Transit) when users have a choice and reasonable access to such modes. The research also aims to determine the infl uence of relevant socio-economic characteristics on users’ mode selections given the harsh weather.
Design/Methodology/Approach: A random representative sample of Dubai transport system users were polled to determine their mode selections when a choice actually exits. Reasoning for stated choices and other socio-economic factors were solicited. Suitable statistical hypotheses were tested to assure the validity and signifi cant of the findings.
Findings: Although majority of users stated that harsh weather is an infl uencing factor in their mode choice, the difference in the responses was not statistically signifi cant to support a conclusion that the harsh weather of Dubai is mode selection determining factor. Users were also not sensitive to modest changes in fuel prices. Sizable increases (3- and 4-fold) in fuel prices were found to likely induce a change in attitude and perhaps cause a modal shift in favour of the more sustainable modes of metro and transit bus.
Originality/Value: The study presents answers on the likely contribution of harsh weather to the low percentage of commuter trips use mass transit in Dubai. The study also exposes the likely influence of increase in fuel prices on commuter's mode choices. The fi ndings have significant implications to transport polices and funding of diff erent modes in the area or areas with similar weather and socio-economic characteristics.
Keywords: transport; harsh weather; transit use; mode choice; fuel prices.
Citation: Masri, A. E., Abu-Lebdeh, G. (2016): Assessment of the impacts of harsh weather on use of sustainable transport options: the case of Dubai 203. In Ahmed, A. (Ed.): Europe at a Crossroads and the Impact of Globalization, Vol. 14, pp. 203-214.
