Urban form and travel patterns by commuters in Bangkok Metropolitan Region | |
| Author | Nuttapong Premphunsawad |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.UE-20-02 |
| Subject(s) | Urban transportation--Thailand--Bangkok Commuters--Thailand--Bangkok |
| Note | A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Urban Environmental Management |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Asian developing cities are presently facing issues associated with urban transport such as traffic congestion caused by over-capacity of private motorization, public transportation inefficiency and ineffective policies and plans. Compact city and low carbon city concepts are reported to have the potential to mitigate these problems. This research project focuses on existing urban form and patterns of sub-centers of Bangkok which include both regional and provincial level commercial centers, designated by the Bangkok Metropolitan Regional Plan. In order to identify specific case study sub-centers, initial spatial analyses such as hotspot analysis and buffer analysis were applied to all sub-districts that have at least one sub-center in the region. Selected urban form variables and indicators include mixed use rate, intersection density, population density, public transportation accessibility, and walkability. To describe the results, urban forms in the selected case sub-districts found to be homogenous. For example, Mueang Samut Prakan presented overall high scores for most variables, particularly, public transport accessibility. It could be attributed to the existence of multiple metro stations and bus network (routes) in the area. On the other hand, Bang Khae and Prawet showed high intersection density attributed to their road connectivity, therefore, categorized as car-oriented sub-districts. Mixed-use rate was particularly high in Taling Chan and Bang Kapi where at the same time, many shophouses and commercial buildings were recorded. Chom Thong was the sub-district with high population density, while Suvarnabhumi was identified by its public transport connectivity. The rest of the sub-districts were scored poorly because of their low accessibility and density. Consequently, the researcher identified three subdistricts with highest scores in all or selected urban form aspect(s) for compact city namely, Bang Kapi, Bang Khae, and Mueang Samut Prakan. As the main analysis, in addition to the set of questions for examining commuting patterns of the local residents, a total of 11 questions for the perception of compact city potential for their neighborhood are identified and measured by the questionnaire survey. It was found that Mueang Samut Prakan has the highest compact city potential based on the local’s perception. However, the commuters’ average trip length in the area was longer than Bang Kapi and Bang Khae. Bang Kapi have no metro iv connections within the site so far and it attributes to the lowest compact city potential among the three sites. From the correlation analysis between compact city potential and travel patterns measured by regression analysis, compact city potential found to be influential in low carbon transportation usage. Mixed use and public transport accessibility are essential to promote low carbon transit modes and for an option for working near residences, while high intersection density has a positive relationship to the increased private motorization. Gaps of the regional plan could be found as roadbased development and little considerations of mixed use in some sub-centers. The study finally suggested the promotion of mixed use development, reasonable intersection spacing and transit-oriented development to fulfill the gaps. Also, the establishment of a regional coordinating body with statutory mandate to implement and monitor the regional spatial plans would be critical to bring together local planning bodies line agencies. |
| Year | 2020 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Urban Environmental and Management (UE) |
| Chairperson(s) | Kim, Sohee Minsun; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Vilas Nitivattananon;Kunnawee Kanitpong; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Royal Thai Government Fellowship; |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2020 |