1 AIT Asian Institute of Technology

A study of the untypical paratransit services in Bangkok

AuthorMadrona, Lynn Gloria A.
Call NumberAIT Thesis no.GT-89-27
Subject(s)Paratransit services--Thailand--Bangkok

NoteA thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology
PublisherAsian Institute of Technology
Series StatementThesis ; no. GT-89-27
AbstractCorresponding with the popu lation growth of a developing country is the emergence of many urban problems especially those related to road traffic. In Bangkok, where there are diverse transportation demands from the people, the transportation facilities provided by the government have now become insufficient . Thus, the private sector has answered this latent demand for additional supplementary transport mode by introducing the "silor le ks " (in Thai means four smal 1 wheels) and the hired motorcycles as untypical paratransi t systems wherever there is a need for one. Since silor leks and hired motorcycles serve as spontaneous transportation concepts by the private sector, this study aims to ascertain the role of these untypical paratransit services in the public transport system in Bangkok. The objectives of this study are to examine the system and operational characteristics of both modes as well as to study the characteristics of the users and the drivers. Results of the survey revealed that at present these untypical paratransi t services are already very popular and widely accepted among the different levels of society. It was found out that the major regular users are the workbound and schoolbound tripmakers. Silor leks are mostly availed for a comfortable and convenient ride while hired motorcycles are utilized due to its faster speed. Even though the fare of these modes is higher compared to the public bus , the users still rated the fare as reasonable, since h aving to pay more is a much better option than walking . One major drawback of these systems is related to the safety aspects of the services being provided by them. It became recognized from the results of this research study that 15% of the silor lek passengers had experienced accidents while riding on this mode. Consequently , there is even a higher percentage of accidents related to the hired motorcycles, not only experienced by the users ( 24. 9% ) but also admitted by the drivers (39.8%). Presently, the operations and fare structure of these two untypical paratransit systems have been solely managed by private individuals. It is recommended that the authorities concerned should pay more attention to these public services so that remedy actions and proper measures could be initiated in order to improve the proper operations and insure the safe service of these two systems.
Year1990
Corresponding Series Added EntryAsian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. GT-89-27
TypeThesis
SchoolSchool of Engineering and Technology (SET)
DepartmentOther Field of Studies (No Department)
Academic Program/FoSGeotechnical and Transportation Engineering (GT)
Chairperson(s)Yordphol Tanaboriboon;
Examination Committee(s)Kuroda, Koji ;Fukuda, Atsushi
Scholarship Donor(s)The Government of Australia;
DegreeThesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1990


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