Researching the satisfaction and needs of public transport users, Case study - Line 14, Bitola
Abstract
Mobility is an essential prerequisite for social and economic connectivity, especially for residents of rural environments who depend on public transport to access services in the city. Urban public transport plays a key role in ensuring equal mobility opportunities, allowing rural communities regular access to jobs, education, healthcare and shopping centers. This work analyzes the mobility and satisfaction of public transport users in Bitola, with special emphasis on line no. 14 connecting Scheherazade, Bistrica and Kravari with the city. Public transport in Bitola is operated by the Public Transportation Enterprise, which serves multiple urban and suburban lines providing basic connectivity between rural and urban areas. Line 14 is a significant transportation link for residents of the suburbs, especially those traveling for work, education, health services and shopping. Through a survey conducted among the users, key problems such as irregularity of buses, technical malfunction, insufficient informativity and poor road infrastructure were identified. Respondents suggested improvements such as vehicle modernization, increased frequency, timely arrival, real-time information, and infrastructure improvements. Research indicates that quality public transport is key to good mobility of rural residents and their integration with the city of Bitola.
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Introduction
Public transport in Bitola is the main transport network connecting the urban and suburban areas to the city center. The system of public bus lines operated by private carriers allows mobility for a large part of the residents, without the need for their own vehicle. In Bitola there are several bus carriers, namely: Luka EXPRESS, Transkop AD, Gopesh TRANS, Boby TURS, Gem TURS [1].
To improve accessibility and practicality, in 2025 the Bitola City Bus application was introduced which allows checking the schedule, map of lines and real-time tracking of buses [2]. Among the main bus lines in the network is line number 14, which connects the suburbs/villages to the city center. Line 14 is crucial for residents of the periphery, as it provides access to services, jobs and education that are not available in their place of residence. According to the announced train schedules, this line is included as part of the municipal transport. Among the main bus lines in the network is line number 14 which connects the suburbs/villages with the city center. Line 14 is crucial for residents of the periphery, as it provides access to services, jobs and education that are not available in their place of residence. According to the announced train schedules, this line is included as part of the municipal transport [3].
Conclusion
Mobility is a key element in the development of any society, especially in rural environments where access to services, jobs and institutions directly depends on the quality of public transport [10]. Urban public transport, as a sustainable transport system, has the task of providing accessible, regular and economically beneficial movement of the population, thereby reducing dependence on automobiles and encouraging more even regional connectivity [6].
In that direction, the village of Kravari, as one of the larger rural settlements near Bitola, has a real need for functional public transport. Line No. 14, which runs on Scheherazade - Bistrica - Kravari, is the only public transportation option available to residents. To get a glimpse of the real situation, a survey was conducted with the aim of determining the travel habits, the level of satisfaction and the specific problems faced by the inhabitants of Kravari [12].
The results showed that although public transportation is available, a significant proportion of the population does not use it. The reasons for this are numerous: traffic irregularities, delays, frequent cancellations, and bus-free hours. Due to these shortcomings, residents often travel by their own car to Bitola, which reduces the role of public transportation as a sustainable and affordable alternative. The survey also provided clear suggestions for improvement.
The most common requests are:
the introduction of a direct service to Kravari,
increased frequency and regularity of traffic (every 1 hour),
improvement of the quality of public transport and renewal of the fleet,
publication of a clear and accessible driving schedule,
the possibility that the line does not pass through Bistritca,
educating the public on the benefits of using public transport.
In summary, the research indicates that the residents of Kravari have a real need for modern, efficient and affordable public transport that will enable better mobility and greater functional connectivity with the city. The upgrading of Line 14 represents a key step towards a sustainable transport system that will contribute to a better quality of life in rural areas.