CONFIRMATORY FACTOR ANALYSIS OF A QUALITY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM MODEL BASED ON CITIZENS’ NEEDS

Abstract

This study adopted a quantitative research approach with the following objectives: 1) To analyze the confirmatory factor analysis, and 2) To examine the structural consistency of a quality public transportation system based on citizens’ needs with empirical data. The sample consisted of 400 citizens who utilized public transportation services in Thailand. A questionnaire was used as the research instrument, yielding an overall reliability coefficient of 0.90. The statistical methods applied included confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and second-order confirmatory factor analysis (S-CFA), utilizing the five service quality dimensions of the SERVQUAL framework to establish the conceptual model. The findings indicated that: 1) The confirmatory factor analysis validated the structural model, and 2) The proposed model was consistent with the empirical data, as all fit indices satisfied the recommended thresholds. The factor loadings were positive, ranging from 0.75 to 1.02, and were statistically significant at the 0.01 level. Among the components, safety had the highest factor loading at 1.02, indicating that safety is the primary factor influencing public decisions when selecting public transportation services. The observed variable of fare appropriateness exhibited the highest factor loading at 0.89, suggesting that service users highly value cost-effectiveness and reasonable travel expenses in relation to the quality of service provided. The model fit indices demonstrated a good fit with the empirical data (p = 0.100, CMIN/DF = 1.355, GFI = 0.983, and RMSEA = 0.030). The findings suggest that public transportation operators should strictly enhance safety measures alongside establishing fare rates aligned with service quality. Such improvements would increase perceived value, promote users’ satisfaction, and encourage the sustainable use of public transportation services among the public.