The car is the second (40%) most common mode of transportation in Malaysia. The rapid increase in the use of personal transportation has its roots in the weak Malaysian public transport system. As a result, traffic congestion, accidents, air pollution and need for parking space among other evils, have escalated. In this study, policies aimed at discouraging the use of private transportation were studied. In addition, this study sought to identify factors that prevent personal transport users from utilizing public transport so that rational policies could be formulated to encourage greater utilization of public transport. A survey was carried out on users of private and public (both bus and urban train transport) (n = 1200). A binary logit model was developed for the three alternative modes, Car, Bus and Train. This study found that age, gender, car ownership, travel time, travel cost, household size and income are significant factors in influencing the individual’s choice of transportation. The most important variables found likely to encourage the use of public transport were reduced travel time, reduce the distance from home to public transportation stations and subsidized fares. In conclusion, for the commuter to switch to public transport, proper incentives need to be provided for a successful implementation.

The rheological and physical properties of asphalt binders modified with aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃) nanoparticles were investigated. Al₂O₃ nanoparticles were added to the base asphalt binder at concentrations of 3, 5, and 7 wt.%. Superpave binder tests were conducted to evaluate the characteristics of the nano-Al₂O₃-modified binders. Rotational viscosity tests and a dynamic shear rheometer were used to analyse the rheological and physical properties of the modified binders, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy technique to observe changes in the structure of modified binders compared to the original. The penetration and ductility values decreased with added Al₂O₃ as well as temperature susceptibility. The phase angle δ is reduced with 5 wt.% or less Al₂O₃ added to the binder. The complex shear modulus G* significantly increased with the addition of up to 5 wt.% Al₂O₃. Results recognise 5 wt.% as the optimum level. The performance of nano-Al₂O₃-modified binders was enhanced regarding their resistance to both thermal rutting at high temperatures and fatigue cracking at low temperatures. Furthermore, statistical analysis of penetration, softening point, complex shear modulus, and phase angle results, using both one- and two-way ANOVA tests, show a significant difference level, having remarkable impacts on the dependent variables.