Deciphering the character of public transport participation in subjective well-being: Evidence from Hangzhou, China

Based on the mobility status and transport dilemmas within a megacity, this study explores the correlation between public transport participation (PTP) and subjective well-being (SWB), in terms of daily mobility, service quality evaluation, interchange experience, and future services. Within the urban district of Hangzhou, an on-site questionnaire survey regarding subjective well-being obtained 3600 responses. Based on 37 factors, with subjective well-being as the target variable, a LightGBM model was constructed. The synergies of the explanatory factors were parsed and visualized. Metro usage in daily mobility was the most vital factor affecting subjective well-being. Knowledge and use of the metro system varied across generations, with individuals younger than 60 reporting better SWB from metro use. PT interchanges consuming more than 12 min result in a significant decrease in SWB. The effect of interchange satisfaction on SWB was mediated by time consumption of PT interchanges. Transport information inquiry was frequently sought yet performed poorly in accuracy. The concerns about the punctuality of buses amplified the negative effects on SWB. Positive preferences of respondents for future mobility services could consolidate their PT participation and SWB. Simpler and more convenient access to the metro system, transport information inquiry methods with better accuracy, PT interchanges with shorter duration, and novel regulations and driving strategies for buses, could contribute to better subjective well-being across populations. •Public transport participation in a newly emerged megacity is explored.•Metro usage in daily mobility is the most vital factor affecting subjective well-being.•The 12-min interchange time is the threshold for the impact of well-being.•Positive preferences for future mobility services benefit individuals' well-being.