Provision of Shuttle Bus Services to Low-income Workers in Penang, Malaysia

Abstract

The rapid urbanization and escalating traffic congestion in Penang, Malaysia, have intensified transportation challenges for low-income workers. While shuttle bus services are increasingly recognized as a sustainable mobility solution, there remains limited empirical research on their adoption among economically disadvantaged commuters in urban Malaysia. This study addresses that gap by exploring the factors influencing the use of shuttle bus services among low-income workers in Penang, guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior and Mobility Transition Theory. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates quantitative data from 306 respondents identified through the Penang eKasih Welfare Program 2016 – selected via stratified random sampling – with qualitative insights from 10 regular shuttle bus users. Factor analysis reveals that the most influential determinant in choosing a mode of commute is the shuttle's capacity to ensure reliable and direct access to workplaces. Notably, qualitative findings indicate that some users continue to opt for the state-provided shuttle bus despite owning private vehicles, citing significant savings on fuel, tolls, and parking as key motivators.
This highlights a crucial insight: affordability and accessibility outweigh convenience for this demographic. The novelty of this study lies in its focus on shuttle services as an equity-driven transport intervention within a Malaysian urban context. The findings support the expansion of such services, particularly to employment-dense areas, and provide actionable recommendations for policymakers aiming to promote inclusive, efficient, and sustainable urban mobility.