Key Factors of Intercity Transportation for University Physical Well-being

Abstract

Introduction: Intercity transportation is important for university students, as it directly impacts their physical activity and overall well-being, which in turn influences their decision to adopt healthy habits and minimize sedentary behavior. Different studies have shown that the quality of service for users (such as safety, empathy, accessibility, and cost) has a direct correlation with user satisfaction and the willingness to engage in active forms of transportation, which is highly associated with better collateral health outcomes. Objective: It is clear that it is important to study the factors that affect the physical well-being of this student community, which will be connected with findings from empirical research, theses, and technical studies to formulate actions that improve mobility. Materials and Methods: To achieve this, we used a mixed methodological approach that employs both qualitative and quantitative aspects from a stratified sample of students from different institutions. With these instruments, such as the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and validated psychometric scales, they were used alongside operational analytical tools leveraged in VBA and Python for route optimization, as well as semi-structured interviews and focus groups to gather perceptions and experiences regarding the use of the transportation system. Results: The results revealed that the choice of active transportation modes is associated with higher levels of physical activity, while the perception of a high-quality service is linked to greater user satisfaction. The implementation of forecasting models and optimization algorithms significantly reduced wait times and costs. Conclusion: improving infrastructure, optimizing routes, and promoting active mobility are essential strategies to enhance the physical and psychological well-being of the university community.