Comparative study of travel behavior between Thai and Japanese informal transport users: A case study of Silor services in the Sukhumvit area
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Abstract
Silors are an informal public transport service found in various districts of Bangkok. They function as a primary transport mode and, on some routes, as feeder services, providing access to formal modes of transportation, such as bus and mass transit lines. This research aims to investigate users’ travel behavior and identify service delivery gaps through Importance Performance Analysis to propose policy suggestions that maximize user satisfaction and service performance. The study focuses on silor services in the Sukhumvit area as of it is unique in its high proportion of international users, especially the Japanese. A total of 39 Thai and 47 Japanese silor users were interviewed using a questionnaire survey. Socioeconomic variables, trip profiles, and perceptions of silor service quality aspects were comparatively analyzed. The results reveal that reliability of service is an aspect to be maintained whereas the in‑vehicle environment, road safety and customer services would make the operations more satisfying. Considerable variations in Thai and Japanese evaluations of this transport service quality aspects were found, and therefore, policy recommendations to bridge the service delivery gaps are discussed.
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