Psychosocial Factors of Public Transport Users and Social Inclusion Implications among Older Women in Pakistan

Abstract

Mobility is a critical factor in promoting social sustainability. Previous studies have confirmed the critical psychological determinants that influence individual mobility. However, these studies rarely considered the relationships among different psychological factors of public transport users and social inclusion. The present study addresses this gap by examining the impact of three crucial psychosocial factors, namely, perceived social norms, perceived social support, and perceived neighborhood social environment on social inclusion. Moreover, we also investigated a mediating role of perceived accessibility among these psychosocial factors and social inclusion. Data was collected from a sample of 243 older women (aged 60 years and above) residing in Lahore, Pakistan, through face-to-face close-ended questionnaires. SPSS statistical software and SmartPLS were used for data analysis. The critical argument that develops from our investigations is that perceived social norms, social support, and neighborhood social environment are essential drivers of social inclusion. The results further reveal that addressing these psychosocial factors can enhance the perceived public transport accessibility and, thus, social inclusion among older women. This study provides useful findings for urban planning and transportation researchers to consider the psychosocial aspects of public transport users that could improve older women's social inclusion.