User Perception of Paratransit in Thailand: Case Study of Traveling to Work in Khon Kaen City

Studies of paratransit in Thailand have been primarily concerned with supply side issues such as service characteristics and quality.  However, Songtaew services in Thailand are not yet well understood. This study attempts to focus on the demand side of Songtaew service in medium-sized cities in Thailand, including Khon Kaen, by examining the use of Songtaews from the commuters’ point of view, their participation, their rating of the condition of Songtaews and their loyalty to this mode of transit. The main objectives of the current study are to investigate passenger motivations for using or not using Songtaews for travel to work, and to understand which factors influence Songtaew use in Khon Kaen City. Based on the analysis, cost and convenience strongly and positively impact decisions to commute by Songtaew. Their users want to keep using them in the future.