Developing the Bus Service of Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA)

Abstract

The objective of this study is to suggest alternatives for developing the bus service of Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) based on a survey of the attitudes and needs of Bangkok residents who use the BMTA’s bus service as well as an analysis and evaluation of the bus service action plan. The research consisted of three parts.

First, an analysis was conducted of the action plan and an evaluation was performed of developing the bus service by using effectiveness criteria and documentary research. The study found that the action plan faces difficulties in terms of project planning, project implementation and the evaluation process.

Second, a survey of the attitudes and needs of the people who use the BMTA bus service was conducted. It was found that overall the project is in accordance with the attitudes and needs of people. However, it was found that the bus service should be adjusted and improved in the following areas: (most frequent responses) “travel time and punctuality of bus service” (less frequent responses) “the continuous or frequency of bus service,” “the bus is too old,” “the comprehensiveness of the bus route,” “the safety of bus service,” and “the quality of free bus service.”

Third, the development of the bus service of BMTA should focus on: (1) using GPS and developing applications for the bus service; (2) developing bus lanes; (3) adjusting bus routes.