A multi-faceted concept of safety in the public transport system: The case of Gran Valparaiso in Chile

Abstract

Safety in public transportation is a critical issue affecting urban accessibility, equity, and quality of life. While prior studies have focused on specific aspects of transit security, this research examines how diverse stakeholders—passengers, drivers, regulators, and law enforcement—conceptualize and experience insecurity. Focusing on Gran Valparaíso, Chile, where a structured metro system coexists with a deregulated bus network, we employ an exploratory, qualitative, cross-sectional design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 51 strategically selected stakeholders from five municipalities. These interviews explored perceptions of physical and social environments, operational limitations, and exposure to violence, revealing that insecurity extends beyond criminal incidents to include infrastructural deficiencies and systemic disorganization. This multidimensional concept of insecurity has significant implications for public policy. Vulnerable groups, such as women, older adults, and the LGBTQ+ community, are disproportionately affected. Our analysis produced a typology of insecurity dimensions—social dynamics, infrastructure, violent incidents, and demographic influences—that underscores the complexity of the issue. The findings highlight the necessity for integrated policy interventions combining material improvements, regulatory reforms, and community engagement to effectively address transport insecurity.