Modelling of passengers behaviour under the influence of noise in public transport buses: a structural equation approach

This study aims to investigate the impact of noise pollution levels on passengers during travel. Specifically, the aim was to explore the interconnections between noise-induced annoyance, sensitivity to noise, sleep disturbances, and physical health problems using a structural equation modelling (SEM) approach. 14 routes were selected for detailed analysis across different time periods. The noise levels were observed, and the impact of these levels on passengers was assessed through a questionnaire survey to know their perception towards noise and its impacts. A total of 252 responses from passengers were collected through the personal interview. Findings reveal that noise pollution levels exceeded 70 dBA on most of the routes. A significance test (t-test) conducted on 15-minute frequency intervals showed no significant difference in noise pollution levels during morning, evening, and afternoon periods. Subjective analysis indicates 31% of passenger were found to be highly annoyed due to noise within public buses. Additionally, 32% and 9% of passengers reported moderate and minimal annoyance, respectively, attributed to traffic and engine noise inside buses. Structural equation approach showed that sensitivity to noise affects the annoyance level most with coefficient 0.76, followed by physical health factors and sleep disturbance with coefficient 0.48 and 0.44 respectively.