The objective of this research is to study the intercity bus ridership demand, assess the existing services, and form a basis to predict future ridership in the Palestinian territories. The significance of this study is being the first of its type in the area.
Intercity public transport between six governoratesin the northern and central districts of the West Bank was studied. The relationship between the public transportation demand and both operating and socioeconomic variables that influence demand was established. An on-board survey of intercity bus riders was used to identify some of the variables that can potentially influence ridership demand. A simple linear regression equation of the ridership demand was developed using five independent variables. These are population of origin city, population of destination city, bus fare, percent of employees of the origin city, and percent of higher education students at the origin city. Riders' profile and trip characteristics were also established.
The study results can be used to evaluate the existing public transportation and forecast future intercity public transport demand. Decision makers can use results of this research to improve the provided intercity public transport services and attract more riders. It is recommended that future research should build on this simple model, include the impact of other modes on intercity demand, include all governorates of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and build a comprehensive nationwide model.