FORECASTING REASONABLE TRAVEL COSTS OF BANGKOK MASS RAPID TRANSIT EXTENSION IN THE CONSUMERS’ PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the quality levels, influence of electric train services, and train system quality on the suitable cost of Bangkok mass rapid transit system extensions in the consumer’s perspective. The population comprised passengers using 3Bangkok mass rapid transit extension lines: 1)Bearing-Samutprakarn Line,
2) National Stadium-Bang Wa Line, and 3) Mo Chit-Saphan Mai-Kukot Line, totaling 23 stations. The sample was 140 BTS users using convenience sampling. The instrument was a questionnaire with 0.964 reliability coefficient. The statistical analyses included frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and stepwise multiple regression. The research findings revealed that variables affecting the cost of Bangkok mass rapid transit extensions in the consumer’s perspective (Y) included physical characteristic factors (X1), railway network extension service capability (X6), and reliability (X2). The regression coefficients were 0.222, 0.299, and 0.270, respectively, with a prediction coefficient (R²) of 0.524 which could predict 52.4% of the suitable cost of Bangkok mass rapid transit system extensions in the consumer’s perspective. The multiple regression analysis yielded the following prediction equations:

The equation in its original fractional form.

Y= 0.488 + 0.256(X₁) + 0.295(X₂) + 0.256(X₆)

Equation in standard fraction form

Z^{^} = 0.222(Z₁) + 0.299(Z₂) + 0.270(Z₆)