Sensitivity of public transport demand to the level of transport service in French cities without underground

The future of public transport in medium‐sized French cities without underground transport services is difficult to assess without a complete knowledge of the existing and potential demand. These cities are, however, experiencing considerable urban growth, giving rise to problems of urban congestion. This article examines the sensitivity of the demand for public transport from different population clusters against the level of service, posing the following questions. Are there more public transport users — and more public transport trips per user — when the service is better? Which kinds of improvement most affects demand? Is car ownership and use sensitive to the level of service? Empirical data and least‐squares modelling are used to answer these questions.