Beyond Travel Time and Cost: Perception-Based Determinants of Public Intention to Use the LRT Mutiara Line in Penang

Abstract

The proposed LRT Mutiara Line represents a major rail transit initiative aimed at improving cross-channel connectivity between Penang Island and Seberang Perai. Understanding public intention to adopt the system is essential for ensuring long-term ridership sustainability and effective transport policy implementation. This study examines the determinants of public intention to use the future LRT by focusing on perception-based factors related to environmental concern, life impact, travel time reduction, and cost reduction.

A questionnaire survey was conducted among commuters in the Penang metropolitan area, yielding 270 valid responses. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed to analyse the relationships between the constructs. The results indicate that environmental concern and perceived life impact significantly influence intention to use the future LRT, while perceived travel time reduction and cost reduction do not show statistically significant effects. The model explains 50.3% of the variance in behavioural intention and demonstrates strong predictive relevance.

The findings suggest that potential users evaluate the LRT not only as a mobility alternative but also as a contributor to environmental sustainability and quality-of-life improvement. The study contributes to transport behaviour literature by highlighting the importance of perception-based benefits in rail transit adoption within a cross-channel commuting context. The results provide practical insights for policymakers and transport planners in promoting rail-based public transport systems.