Can E-scooters connect first and last-mile of public rail transit? Lessons learned from intercept user survey in Utah
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
2025
Subject Area
place, place - north america, place - urban, planning - surveys, planning - integration, planning - safety/accidents, ridership - behaviour
Keywords
E-scooter, first/last-mile connectivity (FLM), micromobility, public transit, intercept survey
Abstract
Urban transportation systems face challenges in providing connectivity, particularly for the first/last-miles of commuters’ journeys. Micromobility services, such as e-scooters, have emerged as potential solutions to bridge this gap and enhance the efficiency and accessibility of public transit. As transit ridership demonstrates declining trends in the US, the integration of micromobility options with existing transit infrastructure presents a promising solution. This study aims to investigate the role of e-scooter services in enhancing first/last-mile connectivity within public transit systems, focusing on factors influencing adoption, barriers to integration, and potential policy interventions by studying Salt Lake County area. Methodologically, intercept surveys were conducted to gather demographic and behavioral insights from both e-scooter users and transit riders. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and thematic qualitative analysis were employed. We found that the promise of e-scooters as conduits for transit connectivity remains largely unmet. Despite bustling transit stations, the number of e-scooter users was extremely low, and walking is the preferred way to connect to transit. Disparities in first/last-mile connectivity patterns between e-scooters and traditional modes of transport among transit riders further highlight the need for targeted interventions. The findings also revealed a strong preference for e-scooters among younger demographics, driven by factors such as convenience and enjoyment. However, challenges related to cost, accessibility, safety, and lack of familiarity hinder widespread adoption. While e-scooter services offer opportunities to enhance transit connectivity, addressing barriers requires efforts from policymakers and authorities.
Rights
Permission to publish the abstract has been given by Taylor&Francis, copyright remains with them.
Recommended Citation
Abdollahzadeh Kalantari, H., Yang, W., & Ewing, R. (2025). Can E-scooters connect first and last-mile of public rail transit? Lessons learned from intercept user survey in Utah. International Journal of Sustainable Transportation, 19(12), 1121-1144.
