Propensity of Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology Staff to Switch to a Mass Rapid Transit System: A PLS-SEM Analysis Based on the Extended Theory of Planned Behaviour and Behavioural Economics

<ns3:p>Congestion in Malta is a persistent national problem. In a country which has a land mass of just 316km2, with a total population verging near a million, the major means of transportation is road transport, making it the fifth most densely populated nation and the fifth most dense transport network in the world. In order to alleviate or solve this problem, MRT (Mass Rapid Transport or Transit) is being proposed to make a shift from single private vehicles to mass public transportation. This study adopted a postpositivist quantitative approach, employing a convenience, non-representative stratified sample, and using second generation statistical methods, specifically Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), to test the validity, reliability, and predictability of a proposed Extended Theory of Planned Behavior (ETPB) model, that combined the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and elements of Behavioural Economics (BE), specifically Prospect Theory (PT). The study examines the social, economic, and political barriers faced by licenced drivers, who would obviously be the key element needed in this modal transportation switch. The conclusion that is derived from this study is that is that TPB is significantly intrinsic to the PT, and whilst the inclination of the attitude of Maltese licenced drivers to switch and adopt the use of MRT is weak, there is still a positive inclination.</ns3:p>