Students' perceptions of air quality: An opportunity for more sustainable urban transport in the medium-sized university city in the Balkans

Abstract

The way citizens perceive air quality has a huge impact on the public’s willingness to contribute agendas that promote a sustainable future. Consequently, the scientific community wonders do the sudden and short-term shifts in air quality (such as one caused by the COVID-19 pandemic) have the potential to induce long-term changes in community behavior. This study is based on the interpretation and analysis of a facultative survey administered to the student population of a medium-sized university city in the Balkans. The study’s goal is to identify the types and strengths of factors that influence students’ perceptions of air quality. In this regard, six classification algorithms were compared in order to select the one with the best fit between students’ demographics, traveling habits, and air quality perception. Individual variable influence revealed that Weekly lectures attendance and Distances students travel determine the perception of air quality more than Gender and Permanent place of residence. According to the study, potential commuting reorganization should target those living 2–4 km from the faculty building. Students who regularly attend lectures are likely to be willing to rely on better-organized public transport. Those who do not, will generally contribute the initiative once the positive effects are evident.