## 2 Background  
Urban cities in developing countries have many social, economic and environmental problems from apparent factors such as population growth, increasing incomes and rapid urbanisation; all resulting in increased travel demand [11]. Malaysia has similar issues with increases to income relating to more private car ownership that has a direct effect on the public infrastructure and air pollution [12]. For public transportation, the integration between modes of public transport is lacking, resulting in poor accessibility for the passengers [13]. There is traffic congestion due to a growing number of private vehicles, and ongoing roadworks add to the traffic blockage. A current lack of distinction between pedestrian footpaths and roads needs improvement, as this is having a direct effect on pedestrian safety [14]. Pedestrians are possible future patrons, making the elements surrounding the electric bus system in Malaysia vitally important in encouraging pedestrians to use the surrounding public transport systems. Prioritising pedestrians and understanding the user needs concerning transportation formed the HCD approach outlined in this paper. Most outer suburban public transport users use the LRT as their main means of transport, with a large number using the 'park and ride' system. The LRT system in Malaysia is the most popular means of transport because of its reliability, which current bus systems fail to deliver [15]. Public transportation should have good integration with all other transport modes to promote patronage [15; 16]. This is not currently occurring, with integration shortcomings in current public transportation networks, which includes a lack of continuity in routes and a lack of real-time information to help passengers plan their journey [17]. According to the Malaysia Automotive Association (MAA) _Malaysia Automotive Roadmap_ 2014, improving urban public transport is one of the key initiatives (Malaysian Automotive Association 2014). The Malaysian economy, and particularly the economic middle-class are developing so fast that it enables most people to have private vehicles, resulting in significant traffic congestion [18]. [PERSON], [PERSON] & [PERSON] [18] note that congested roads with a lack of public transport facilities significantly worsen the quality of urban living. Contextual studies with a particular focus on Malaysian public transportation show that current systems are inadequate in terms of dealing with urban growth, environmental pollution and transport needs [18]. Accordingto the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) of South Johor Economic Region [19]--a policy package relating to low carbon living in Iskandar, Malaysia--investing in sustainable public transport systems is one of the key agenda items to reduce CO\({}_{2}\) emission [20]. Over 80 per cent of total air pollution is produced by mobile sources such as motor vehicles [1]. Enforcing a modal shift from private vehicles to an electric public bus system would significantly reduce CO\({}_{2}\) emissions; however, a forced change approach is not possible if the system that exists is inadequate to meet the needs and demands of the users. The current environmental issues require policies highlighting sustainability-focused public transport systems to influence the modal shift in Malaysia [21], showing that such sustainable transport systems are important for sustainable economic growth [22]. Vehicle ownership and automobile-dependent development (planned or unplanned) are creating lock-in scenarios that challenge the viability of efficient bus systems [13]. In a recent study conducted in Putrajaya, Malaysia, a current modal split of 15:85 between public: private transport was achieved, with service quality--and, to a lesser extent, attitude--the most significant determinant of behaviour change, while environmental quality had no effect [23]. This suggests that technological efficiency alone will not achieve the desired public behaviour change in urban Malaysia.