Evaluation for the operational risk factors of public transportation process based on entropy weighted- DEMATEL method

Identifying and assessing the key factors that influence the operations of public transportation from an operational risk perspective is a critical challenge. In this paper, in order to tackle this issue by dissecting 18 risk factors through a comprehensive lens that encompasses five dimensions of the public transportation operation: infrastructure completeness, operational procedures, management practices, process requirements, and risk mitigation strategies, each with its respective evaluative metrics. To offer a nuanced analysis of these risk factors, we introduce an entropy weight-based DEMATEL (Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) method. This approach leverages the entropy weight decision-making process to quantify the significance of each risk factor, acknowledging the inherent uncertainties in the evaluation process. By applying the DEMATEL method to the collected data, it becomes evident that safety consciousness stands out as a pivotal factor, with human initiative emerging as a central element in the operational flow of public transportation. Furthermore, our study reveals that substantial funding, technological advancements, regular inspections, and stringent regulations are critical risk factors that warrant considerable attention in the management of public transportation operations. The findings underscore the necessity for a multifaceted approach to risk management to bolster the safety and efficiency of public transportation services. To foster a safer and more effective public transportation system, it is imperative for stakeholders to not only heighten their vigilance regarding safety but also to ensure that adequate financial resources and regulatory frameworks are in place. Only through a holistic and multidimensional risk management strategy can we hope to minimize the incidence of public safety risks.