Exploring University Students’ Perceptions of Public Transport in Madrid

Public transportation is vital for urban life quality, particularly in high-density areas like Madrid, where university students are key users. This study examines student perceptions of Madrid’s public transport, focusing on price, service quality, comfort, security, accessibility, and environmental impact. Data from a sample of 250 students across Madrid universities was gathered in September and October 2024. IBM SPSS 27 facilitated the analysis, including frequency distributions and descriptive statistics to explore usage trends. Results show that affordability, value, and price flexibility significantly affect student satisfaction. Service quality elements such as punctuality and cleanliness are critical for maintaining satisfaction and loyalty. Comfort factors, including seating and temperature, along with safety impact students' reliance on public transport. Accessibility by proximity and network integration encourages use, while environmental impact fosters preference for public transit over cars. Findings support targeted improvements in affordability, quality, security, and eco-friendly initiatives for sustained student use.