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Abstract:
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This professional report examines the degree to which the perception of safety shapes travel behavior in Austin , Texas , using Huston Tillotson University (HT ) students as our case study . Focus groups are used to explore and identify what elements of the public transit experience are considered safe and unsafe . The report explores what “frightens” HT participants away from using the bus . A quantitative study is then used to measure environmental variables and their relation to bus stops and perceptions of safety . Austin crime data are used to locate bus stop crimes and develop a real context for bus riders’ perceptions of crime . After describing the conditions of bus stops based on physical , environmental , and criminal attributes , the study develops scenarios for the study areas . This report closes by summarizing the empirical findings and gives design and policy recommendations for transportation planners , agencies , and policy makers . |