Empathetic connection between public transportation and university quality of life: legal implications for student well-being

Resumen

Digital transformation and increasing urban mobility challenges have highlighted the importance of public transportation as a determinant of university students’ well-being. This study analyzes the relationship between empathetic connection in public transportation services and university quality of life in the Ancash region of Peru, incorporating a legal perspective on student mobility rights. A quantitative, correlational, non-experimental, and cross-sectional design was employed. Data were collected from a sample of 224 students enrolled in business sciences programs using structured questionnaires. The reliability of the instruments was confirmed through Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient. Pearson correlation analysis revealed statistically significant positive relationships between empathetic service dimensions empathy, personalized attention, flexibility, and understanding of users’ concerns and students’ quality of life (p < .001). Among these, empathy in service showed the strongest association. These findings indicate that more empathetic public transportation systems contribute to improved student well-being and reduced stress levels. The study highlights the need to incorporate student-centered approaches into transportation policies and supports the recognition of dignified mobility as part of the right to education.