The implementation effectiveness of Transit Metropolis policy: A case study of information intervention experiments

Abstract

To assess the effectiveness of the Transit Metropolis policy in advancing sustainable urban transportation, this study examines how information interventions influence public travel attitude, policy responsiveness, and support. The research in pilot cities across China involved an information intervention experiment targeting urban residents to understand changes in their transportation choices and attitudes toward the policy. A Propensity Score Matching-Difference-in-Differences (PSM-DID) approach was employed to rigorously evaluate the policy’s impact. This combined methodology allows for a more accurate estimation of effects by reducing potential biases in the data, revealing important insights into the policy’s role in enhancing public transit preference and reducing private car reliance.

The PSM-DID approach, supported by robustness and heterogeneity analyses, provided reliable findings highlighting the intervention’s significant influence on urban residents’ attitude. Specifically, the results indicate a substantial increase in residents’ willingness to use public transportation and a noticeable decrease in private vehicle use. Moreover, residents’ responsiveness to policy goals and overall support for the Transit Metropolis policy have increased significantly following the intervention, suggesting that targeted information can effectively promote sustainable mobility choices.

These findings yield valuable recommendations for policy enhancement, highlighting the value of sustained public engagement and targeted interventions to boost public transit’s modal share. Additionally, they suggest the necessity of rational private car usage to reduce environmental impact further. By encouraging public support and influencing travel choices, the Transit Metropolis policy demonstrates significant potential to contribute to sustainable urban development and mobility in China’s rapidly urbanizing cities.