Applying Structural Equation Modeling to Analyze Acceptance of a Transportation Policy in Ho Chi Minh City

Abstract Structural Equation Modeling is a powerful and versatile tool for studying policy acceptance, particularly when the subject involves complex, multivariate relationships. The key strengths of SEM lies in its ability to analyze both direct and indirect effects of multiple variables simultaneously, allowing researchers to assess how different factors - such as psychological perceptions or societal impacts - interact and contribute to policy support. The results in this applied study provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing both participation in and support for pedestrian streets in HCMC. We found that perceived traffic displacement and perceived effectiveness of organization emerge as key predictors of both participation and support, while accessibility primarily affects public agreement on implementation. These findings are consistent with other studies in urban planning, which emphasize the importance of effective management, traffic reduction, and accessible design in fostering successful pedestrian streets in HCMC.