Evidence Triangulation for Public Transport Innovation: A Mixed-Methods Study on Real-Time Information Systems

Abstract

This study examines the effects of real-time public transport information systems using a mixed-methods approach. Combining 14 expert interviews and over 10,000 user surveys, it applies evidence triangulation to assess how digital innovation influences service perception and policy relevance. Experts rate real-time data as a high-impact governance tool for enhancing trust, accessibility, and planning reliability—especially for users with limited mobility or orientation. Quantitative analysis confirms this view: access to digital information is significantly associated with higher user satisfaction, particularly among occasional or unfamiliar riders. The study highlights transparency, predictability, and perceived control as key acceptance factors. It proposes a transferable framework for evaluating innovations in transport through the integration of expert judgment and user feedback. Findings underscore the importance of user-centered indicators and call for adaptive monitoring tools to guide investment in digital infrastructure. Real-time systems emerge as a critical component of inclusive and responsive transport strategies.

Keywords: Public transport, digital systems, user satisfaction, safety, accessibility, mixed methods