Bibliography and Index of United Nations Centre for Regional Development Publications
Citation	Hayashi, Yoshitsugu, Krit Anurakamonkul, Takaaki Okuda, Omar Osman, and Hideki Nakamura. “Examining the Effects of a Mass Rapid Transit System on Easing Traffic Congestion in Auto-Dependent Bangkok.” Regional Development Studies 4 (1998): 65-85.
Title	Examining the Effects of a Mass Rapid Transit System on Easing Traffic Congestion in Auto-Dependent Bangkok
Year	1998
Author	Anurakamonkul, Krit UN Researcher, UNCRD, Nagoya, Japan
Author	Hayashi, Yoshitsugu Professor of Infrastructure and Environmental Planning, Department of Geotechnical and Environmental Engineering, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
Author	Nakamura, Hideki Associate Professor, Department of Geotechnical and Environmental Engineering, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
Author	Okuda, Takaaki Associate Professor, Department of Geotechnical and Environmental Engineering, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
Author	Osman, Omar Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
Material Type	Journal Article
Features	9 notes; 4 tables; 14 figures (some maps)
Pages	p. 65-85
Relationships	Part of 219 p. Regional Development Studies, Vol. 4, 1998
Subjects	CASE STUDIES 18.04.01 PUBLIC TRANSPORT 10.01.01 ROAD TRANSPORT 10.05.01 THAILAND 01.04.04 TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE 10.03.01 URBAN TRAFFIC 10.07.01 URBAN TRANSPORT 10.01.01
Abstract	This article examines common characteristics of urban congestion and evaluates the effectiveness of introducing a mass rapid transit (MRT) system to alleviate traffic congestion, using Bangkok as a case study. It is observed that the diversity and capacity of transport infrastructure play a crucial role in determining congestion levels, once a city or region has experienced rapid economic growth, urbanization, and motorization. The study has an analytical framework for travel-choice behaviour based on stated-preference (SP) models to assess long-term MRT contributions to congestion relief under alternative policy measures. Work trips and the entire network of the planned MRT system are defined as the scope of the study. Certain empirical results suggest that initial diverted-demand from road-based facilities to MRT services will mainly take place at the expense of reduced bus modal share. Since bus users are major commuters who spend considerable time traveling, this brings about a larger decrease in average travel time per trip while providing a minimal decrease in average road speeds. Adjustment of MRT fares also seems inelastic to its patrons. However, preferences on car use can be effectively influenced when incorporating MRT with broader access (feeder) services on an area-wide basis. Realization of this potential in the Bangkok case may be regarded as an ideal strategy for other rapidly-growing developing cities in which similar hypercongestion problems are already appearing. --Journal abstract
Control No.	RDS 04c