Modeling perception towards sustainable ferries through ridership surveys: A case study of Michigan islands with policy implications

Many island communities rely on ferries as their sole mode of transport to access healthcare, education, and economic opportunities, aside from region connectivity. With sizeable ferry operations throughout the country, the carbon footprint of marine transportation, including passenger ferries, cannot be overlooked. Discussions of environmental sustainability have gained considerable momentum in recent years, especially in decarbonizing the transportation industry. While many studies have explored sustainable ferry operations from the lens of operators, users’ perspectives are less explored. Users’ expectations, experiences, socio-demographic heterogeneity, and sensitivity to pricing may correlate with their opinions on environmental sustainability of ferry services and need to be understood. This study delves into the nuanced relationships between users’ profiles and their willingness to support sustainable ferry initiatives through a comprehensive survey across four major islands in Michigan and utilizing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Key findings indicate that negative experiences drastically impact user satisfaction and attitudes toward sustainability, highlighting the crucial role of operational reliability in fostering support for environmentally friendly upgrades. Furthermore, the study reveals significant disparities in sustainability support between tourists and residents, with demographic factors like gender and income significantly shaping sustainability preferences. This underscores the need for targeted communication, policy framing strategies, and consideration of socio-economic ramifications that address these disparities to ensure the successful implementation of sustainable practices in ferry operations This research aids policymakers in crafting targeted interventions that ensure the dual goals of environmental sustainability and mobility justice are met. Overall, this research presents a practical framework for evaluating policy impacts on ferry service users, with implications extending beyond the Michigan islands to similar ferry-dependent communities.