One-man operated BMTA microbuses in Bangkok : an evaluative study | |
| Author | Kumar, J. S. S. |
| Call Number | AIT RSPR no.TE-97-01 |
| Subject(s) | Bangkok Mass Transit Authority Buses|zThailand--Bangkok--Management |
| Note | A research study submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering, School of Civil Engineering |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Research studies project report ; no. TE-97-01 |
| Abstract | Bangkok Mass Transit Authority, the city's major public sector bus operator, has introduced an one-man operated new micro bus service in August, 1997 with fare box type fare collection system and with a 10 Baht flat fare on bus route numbers 4 and 26, respectively. Therefore, the present study was attempted to assess the performance, financial viability and passenger handling performance of this new BMTA micro bus operation. Dwell time analysis to assess the passenger handling performance of BMTA micro bus revealed that, the dwell time parameters of BMTA micro bus were significantly not different with other bus services in Bangkok city namely BMTA regular bus and BMC (private) micro bus. Dead times of BMT A micro bus were found to be similar to two-men crew BMTA regular bus. However, the boarding and alighting rates were observed as longer in one-man operations. Among one-man operated microbus services, the BMTA micro bus has shown relatively lower boarding and alighting times than private micro bus, mostly due to the simple fare box operational system. Furthermore, it was found that, the dwell time parameters of BMTA micro bus were well compared with one-man operation bus services of other international cities in developed countries. From the users opinions on the various aspects of BMTA micro bus performance, it was observed that, the majority of passengers favored the BMTA micro bus service and fare box system. Most of the users were commuters and the females were the dominant sex. The transfer of passengers from regular buses to BMT A micro buses was a direct indication of passengers willingness to pay more for better service. Majority of the passengers compared BMTA micro bus service was better than BMTA air-conditioned bus service, and also stated that, this new service was equally good with 30 Baht fare BMC (private) micro' bus service. Finally, the financial appraisal of this new service revealed that, under the present conditions, both the BMTA micro bus routes were not able to get break even before nine years of operation. While comparing the fare box with conductor operation, it was found that, the fare box has lower operational costs. However, the routes were not able to make any profits. This was attributed to the fixation of BMTA micro bus fare as 10 Baht only. Therefore, to improve the financial status of BMTA microbuses and to derive its operational merits the suggested option was for an optimum increase in fare. It was found that route number 26 was having a very low demand due to its short round trip route characteristics, which necessitates to be rerouted as a demand oriented route. Furthermore, the analysis showed that the option for owning the fare box option in stead of the present lease contract basis cah maximize the financial gains of the system |
| Year | 1997 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Research studies project report ; no. TE-97-01 |
| Type | Research Study Project Report (RSPR) |
| School | School of Civil Engineering |
| Department | Department of Civil and Infrastucture Engineering (DCIE) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Transportation Engineering (TE) |
| Chairperson(s) | Yordphol Tanaboriboon; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Takashi, Nakatsuji T;Chotchai Charoenngam; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Keidanren Foundation, Japan; |
| Degree | Research Studies Project Report (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1999 |