Analysis of Public Transport Issues the Using Soft Systems Approach

Abstract

Public transportation in the city of Pampas faces a complex set of challenges characterized by informality, disorder, traffic congestion, and poor service quality, involving stakeholders with differing perceptions and interests. This study aims to demonstrate how the Soft Systems Methodology can help understand and structure this problematic situation and support the design of changes that are both systemically desirable and culturally feasible. The research was conducted following the seven iterative stages of the Soft Systems Methodology. Surveys, interviews, and informal conversations were used to gather stakeholders’ perceptions, while a primary task analysis was employed to develop a consensual conceptual model. The findings revealed shortcomings in institutional coordination, oversight, enforcement, road safety education, and the authorization of transport stops, vehicles, and drivers. Comparing the consensual conceptual model with the existing situation made it possible to formulate proposals aimed at improving the organization and formalization of public transportation. The approach brought together the stakeholders’ different worldviews and perceptions of the transportation problem, thereby enabling a systemic understanding of the situation. However, the consensus achieved was only partial because the study involved four key stakeholders. The study concludes that the Soft Systems Methodology provides a viable alternative for structuring this problematic situation and guiding improvement actions that are acceptable within the local sociocultural context. The proposed changes offer a pathway toward improving public transportation in the city of Pampas, although they should not be regarded as a definitive solution.