Socioeconomic influence on environmental awareness regarding willingness to use public transportation among formal workers

Abstract

Background: This study investigates the influence of socioeconomic status on environmental awareness and behaviors, particularly in relation to public transportation usage among formal workers in the Jabodetabek area. It highlights how factors such as income and education shape attitudes toward sustainability, with higher socioeconomic groups demonstrating greater environmental concern and engagement in eco-friendly practices. Despite this awareness, barriers including poor public transportation quality, high costs, and accessibility issues deter usage, leading many workers to prefer private vehicles due to safety concerns and system inefficiencies. Methods: A qualitative approach was employed, utilizing random sampling and an online questionnaire, yielding 100 valid responses analyzed through SPSS. Findings: The findings reveal that while socioeconomic factors correlate with environmental awareness, they do not directly influence public transportation use; instead, the quality of public transport significantly impacts willingness to use it. Limitations include a small, homogeneous sample, suggesting the need for future research to encompass a broader demographic. Conclusion: Proposed solutions to enhance public transportation include increasing service frequency, expanding coverage, and implementing traffic regulations that prioritize public transport. These improvements require collaboration among stakeholders to foster sustainable urban living and reduce environmental degradation. Novelty/Originality of this article: The study emphasizes the necessity of integrating environmental awareness with practical solutions to enhance public transportation systems