Analyzing Service Quality of Pedestrian Sidewalks under Mixed Traffic Condition Considering Latent Variables

Development of a sustainable urban transportation system undoubtedly depends to a large extent on the road users' perception being inclined toward the consideration of walking as the main mode of transportation for short-distance trips. In essence, the overall service quality (SQ) of sidewalks will affect the performance of the main carriageway and thus the overall transportation system, no matter how good the roads and vehicles are. In this study, potential major variables influencing the SQ of sidewalks were summarized. The structural equation modeling (SEM) approach was used to establish relationships among these variables and the overall SQ of sidewalks to identify the most significant variables affecting the level of service (LOS). In total, 15 observed variables were identified considering the mixed traffic condition in Dhaka city, Bangladesh. These variables were further clustered under three latent variable groups designated through factor analysis as Physical aspects, Security system, and Side friction. A questionnaire survey was conducted at different locations inside the Dhaka metropolitan area to collect users' opinion on the existing SQ of sidewalks and their expectations regarding these variables. A total of 544 pedestrians that use sidewalks on a daily basis participated in the survey. Among the latent variables, Security system was found to be the most significant in affecting the LOS of sidewalks, and Security for sexual harassment was perceived as the most important observed variable grouped under this category of latent variables. Overall, this paper denotes the significant SQ variables of a sidewalk, which will help transportation planners, engineers, and policy makers to adopt appropriate measures in building sustainable cities of the future in the context of developing countries.