Uncovering culture: An exploratory review and conceptual framework for culture in public transport governance

This paper explores the underexamined role of culture in the governance of public transport. Using a structured review methodology, we analysed a select body of literature across the domains of governance, public transport, collaboration, uncertainty, and culture. We identify how culture is conceptualised, the methodological approaches used, and how cultural dimensions become visible in moments of uncertainty. Based on this analysis, we identified six sensitising factors that influence the cultural layer of governance: geographical location, duration, external pressures, alignment of values and goals, and the degree of regulation and integration, which we will use to support future empirical research. Our findings reveal a gap in the transport governance literature and point to the need for a systematic treatment of culture as a shaping element in the outcomes of public transport systems.