User+Study

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 * Part B: User Study**

a) Statement of user study goals. What are the major questions you want answered regarding how users use the technology in question? About what they may want to see as an alternative? One of the central themes of this user study is to understand the struggles transit users endure when taking public transportation, this analysis shall also explore the different categories of people using this system (e.g.: disabled, students, working adult, senior, etc.). Currently the major problem with public transportation is its popularity. While the overall increase in the transit standard rate from $2.75 to $3 is not only turning some people away from it, but is also causing the transportation company to lose a lot of money.

One topic that needs to be addressed is the subject of efficiency - it is essential for the transit system to be optimized, as this will not only reduce time and frustrations the driver but also ease the minds of their patrons. In this new day and age, we possess the ability to access most if not all technological devices. These gadgets not only provide an ease for payment, but also work as a communication medium between the driver and the passenger (e.g.: The driver is alerted there is a passenger at the upcoming bus stop, the driver is informed that he need to deploy the disability ramp/ lower the bus, and also a passenger is also given the time the next bus is expected to arrive at the bus stop.)

The user study will also focus on the ideas that transit users have to improve the transportation system, additionally the user study would ask participants on their ideas to help promote public transport, and improve its overall efficiency. By exploring the ideas of transit users, and by understanding the user’s needs, we can perhaps address these new ideas that even incorporate them in future or present project.  b) Provide notes on research methods considered to answer the questions noted above. Why these methods? Why not others?  The research will include a questionnaire that can be portrayed into an open ended question for interviewees to answer, while some participants who also chose to answer the questionnaire on their own are welcome to do so. For some of the open answer questions we receive during the survey, they will be revised to provide a more close ended result for analysis, and possibly be used to revise the survey altogether.

The goal of the team is to arrive at a non ambiguous answer by providing more specific options, due to the quantitative and qualitative characteristic of a questionnaire study.  c) Are there any ethical issues that you may encounter? How will you address these?  Some ethical issues that we may encounter centres on the personal questions asked in the survey such as age and income. To address these problems, we inform those taking the survey that their true identities will not be acknowledge but rather represented through a number, (e.g.: John Thomas will be addressed as subject 113).

Each survey will have a question of income, but will also allow the person being surveyed a option to choose to respond. While the issue of user disability will need to be based on our observation as we complete the survey near bus terminals at Square one and South Common.

N.B.: Questions such as physical disability and the traveler's use of baby carriage is directly connected to the function of our project where the bus driver will be notified if there's a need for lowering the bus at an upcoming stop. 

d) Provide a copy of actual questions asked and procedures applied. See link to survey

e) An executive summary of your findings  ·  It was discovered that most respondents had access to all forms of transportation including: Their own car A shared car service (e.g.: ZipCar, FlexCar) A bicycle A vanpool or rideshare service A bus network A light rail or subway A commuter rail ·  It was discovered that most students who took transit services, used it to mainly go to university, home and as well to meet friends in various areas. · It was discovered that many respondents chose to: Walk Take their own cars Never took bicycles to get to their destination Hardly used a vanpool or ride share service Most people used a Bus Network Hardly used a light rail service Hardly used a commuter rail service · <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Most respondents chose to use a particular type of transportation depending on issues such as: How far they had to travel Convenience If a shared family car was available The time they should be at their destination Cost ·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Many student respondents chose to take the bus service to get from home to school on a regular basis ·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">When asked how similar the public transportation system was in comparison to driving many respondents believed that: The experience was not at all similar It got them to their destination Driving was faster and more convenient as there is no constant stop over ·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">When asked how different the public transportation system was in comparison to driving many respondents claimed that: With public transit it takes them longer to arrive at their destination than taking their own car Public transit is time consuming There was a lack of freedom when using public transit, as they could only travel to places where there was an established bus route On buses usually they travel alone where as if they were driving they would be accompanied by friends and family <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> ·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Many respondents claimed to have no “best” public transportation experience <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> ·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Many respondents claimed to have a “worst public transportation experience, some included: Having to take the whole bus route over again to get to their final destination due to issues such as sleeping through the travelled route Issues of forgetting their Student Card thus being unable to enter the bus Waiting outside for a long period of time <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> ·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Many users of the transit system chose to engage themselves in the following activities as they were waiting or taking public transit: Listen to music and Watch videos on their Ipods or Iphones Talk on the phone or text a friend <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> ·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">According to the survey responses, the users hardly chose to engage themselves in the following activities: Knit Work on laptops/PDA Sleep Talk to other riders <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> ·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">When asked what other users thought of other riders, may claimed that: They watch them and tried to observe them Some felt weird around fellow passengers, and described passengers as “sketchy” They chose to keep to themselves instead of talking to other riders <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> ·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">When asked on their personal views on several issues many users believed that: Public Transportation saved them money Public Transportation was a hassle Public Transportation did not save them time <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> ·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Many surveyors believed that if the following improvements were made they would be more likely encouraged to take the public transit system: More frequent service Service to more places Faster and more direct service Fewer and/or easier transfers Lower fares/new fare products Improved bus stops (shelters, signage) <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> ·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">When asked on how users felt about certain aspects of public transportation: many believed that: Buses were clean & comfortable Buses are sometimes on time Buses need to run more often Buses sometimes do not go where they want to go Buses are not fast and direct Transfers were sometimes easy and convenient Fares were somewhat reasonable but could be lower Drivers were courteous & professional <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> ·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">User’s personal recommendations to the public transit system included: Fewer people on buses especially during rush hour. People should only be allowed to enter the bus unless there is an available seat, as this combats issues of overcrowding and potential accidents during travel. Lower fares Frequent Services Express services to University and College Campuses. <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(3, 0, 255); line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">f) Analysis and interpretation of the collected data to identify patterns or themes.
 * <span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Analysis & Interpretation **
 * <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Transit Systems

Background: ** <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">In recent years, the urban agenda has risen at a steady rate, as a priority interest for all. This is a growing recognition of the importance from local cities such as Mississauga to even a greater Global scale, in other countries such as China. At the same time it has been noted that there is an existing gap between the need for greater improvements with respects to transit as well as the ability to provide the infrastructure needed to all communities. The issues of transportation touches many Canadians’ lives every day as they need this use these services to go to places of work, education, healthcare, etc. Throughout our research we found many interesting facts with regards to Canadian transit services, such as:

“A study by the Canada West Foundation … found that for most western cities, the largest portion of the infrastructure deficit resides in transportation – roads, traffic control, bridges, interchanges, and public transit. It seems likely that this is the case for most cities across Canada.” (Urban Transportation in Canada, 2005) <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Transportation: 3rd Largest Municipal Transit System in Ontario serving approximately 30 million riders annually. <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">

“Urban congestion has significant economic costs and affects the competitiveness of Canada’s economic centers. Congestion means delay – lost time and productivity, wages foregone and extra fuel costs. Access to airports and ports, freight pick-up and delivery, just-in-time delivery schedules, and business activities are all compromised by congestion. It results in greater fuel consumption and additional emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases. Congestion also reduces the effectiveness of our national transportation system by constraining the movements of goods and passengers within and through major urban centers.” (Urban Transportation in Canada, 2005)

“Within cities, transit is a key component of a multi-modal urban transportation system. Transit’s economic benefits are many and include its role in providing transportation alternatives, reducing congestion in crowded cities, reducing air pollution, and providing a safer mode of personal travel than automobiles.” (Urban Transportation in Canada, 2005) <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Population: 712'00, Canada's 6th largest city <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">

<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">In general, the results of the survey reveals a number of trends to be considered in the further development of Transit Systems, such as: Issues of how far one had to travel, convenience, availability of a shared family car, time and cost played an important factor in what type of transportation one used.
 * <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Main Findings, Trends: **

Many users did not have a best public transit experience, indicating there are significant problems with transit services.

Many users agreed that there was a greater need for more frequent service, more service to more places, faster and more direct services, fewer and/or easier transfers, lower fares/new fare products and improved bus stops (shelters, signage)

Professor(s) Students Working class Parents with dependent children Disabled people
 * Participants:**

· Some respondents did not provide through explanations · Participants were given their space to fill out the questionnaire, resulting in some respondents not returning the questionnaires · Some respondents did not take the questionnaires seriously · There was some initial problems existed with the online survey which resulted in incomplete surveys The government should provide sustainable, predictable, long-term funding to support urban transportation investment especially in high populated areas in Canada. <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">All aspects of transit should promote itself in order to promote awareness of transit choices available to the public
 * Survey Errors:**
 * Recommendations:**

Existing practices with regards to transit should be monitored and changed to provide a greatly accessible and pleasant service experience to all users.

There is a great need for Canada to adopt of new technologies that would improve transit such as, smart cards and GPS systems.

“Urban Transportation in Canada”, 2005.< []> Economic Development Office:“Mississauga Ontario Quick Facts” <[]>
 * Citation:**