Abstract

Introduction: Satisfaction with travel (SWT) has received less attention, particularly among university students, in the global south, which includes southern America and Chile. In Temuco, one of Chile's medium-sized southern cities, university students make up nearly one-sixth of the population. This study aims to investigate SWT and its related factors among university students in this city. In addition, these correlations were investigated according to each mode of transportation. Methods: The data was collected from Temuco's six universities using quota sampling and multiple linear regressions. Results: Although a majority of students use public transportation, they are far less satisfied with it than they are with their private cars and active travel. On the other hand, even though a small portion of university students use private vehicles, this mode of transportation contributes to the greatest SWT. In addition, higher income and the male population are linked to higher SWT. Less SWT by public transportation is also a result of more private vehicles in the household. Similarly, for all travel mode choices, distance was negatively correlated with SWT. Furthermore, a higher SWT for active travel trips is linked to perceived safety from motor vehicles. Moreover, companionship is linked to increase SWT for active travel trips. Finally, one of the research's novelties was the identification of a lifestyle type and a personal value called security that was linked to overall SWT. Conclusions: The results could be used by this city's transportation and urban policymakers to improve SWT among university students.