Investigating influential factors on pick-up/drop-off location choices for school bus services from parents' perspective: A case study in Hanoi, Vietnam

This study examines factors influencing parents' choices of relocating pick-up/drop-off (PUDO) points of school bus services for six schools in Hanoi. An online survey, in which parents were asked to choose a PUDO point after viewing a video showing current traffic conditions, was administered in November 2022. They were then exposed to a proposal for a new PUDO location that enhanced the school walking environment. The results suggested that parents favor further PUDO locations, enabling their children to participate in longer walks to school and increase their physical activity. However, those observing traffic accidents near school gate areas expressed negative attitudes toward the proposed change. Moreover, the study found no significant decrease in transportation costs setting up PUDO points at a greater distance. Nevertheless, encouraging physical activity and improving students' health could be a policy instrument for decision-makers to set up a designated distant PUDO location in the context of developing Asian cities.