Pollution, congestion, and accidents are the most prominent problems associated with urban transport, more specifically with road traffic and motorised vehicles. Urban planning that serves mainly the needs of car travel and prioritises road infrastructure financing is regarded as the main cause of the “urban mobility crisis” prevalent in most of the larger cities. In contrast, successful large cities have eased the burdens of mobility by integrating land use and transportation planning, thus matching urban form with transport systems. They have enhanced the traditional characteristics of cities which “are size, density and diversity.” While the benefits of size (dimension) need to be critically assessed, the benefits of high density and diversity levels are obvious, especially regarding sustainable transport: High densities reduce travel distances, and high diversity means a greater variety of infrastructure and services easily accessible, again reducing travel distances. This paper will transfer these insights to the transportation system of Thailand’s capital city of Bangkok and then develop recommendations for implementation.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
2. SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND THE BASIC CHARACTERISTICS OF CITIES
3. SEIZING THE OPPORTUNITIES OF DENSITY, DIMENSION AND DIVERSITY IN BANGKOK
3.1. Burdens of Mobility in Bangkok
3.1.1. Congestion
3.1.2. Pollution and Smog
3.1.3. Social Mobility Divide: Accessibility and Inequality
3.1.4. Why Mobility Burdens in Bangkok are Rising
3.2. Detecting Opportunities for Bangkok
3.2.1. Benefiting from Density
3.2.2. Dimension: Catering to Large Cities’ Needs
3.2.3. Enhancing Diversity
3.3. Governance
4. CONCLUSION
Research Objectives and Themes
The primary objective of this paper is to analyze the "urban mobility crisis" in Bangkok by applying the theoretical framework of the "Dimension, Density, Diversity" triangle. The research explores how Bangkok's specific urban characteristics contribute to current transportation burdens—such as congestion, pollution, and social inequality—and develops strategic policy recommendations to foster a more sustainable and transit-oriented transport system.
- Analysis of the relationship between urban form and transport sustainability.
- Examination of Bangkok’s specific congestion challenges and pollution levels.
- Evaluation of the social mobility divide and the role of non-motorized transport.
- Assessment of urban governance structures and the impact of middle-class bias.
- Strategic policy recommendations based on the "Dimension, Density, Diversity" framework.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1.1. Congestion
Bangkok’s congestion problem, which is comparatively high given its moderate (but from an Asian perspective rather high) motorization levels, can be described as follows: “Bangkok, with its extreme levels of traffic congestion and traffic impacts, and public transport speeds of only 10 km/h, can be characterized more accurately as private vehicle-saturated rather than automobile dependent.” [17] In Bangkok, each car spends an equivalent of 44 days each year in traffic jams. [18] Average speeds are at 10 km/h, during peak hours at 5 km/h. Traffic related delays cost the city about 1/3 of its estimated gross city product ($4m/day or $1.5 bn/year). [19] The high density in the city core and the low road capacity – only 11 % of the urban area is allocated to roads – with its narrow, not grade-separated layout are the main cause of the high congestion. [20] While residential areas are being added at the fringe of the city, the workplaces of the middle class living there remain concentrated in the inner core of Bangkok, increasing the influx into the city centre and congesting arterial roads. [21]
In Bangkok, road capacity is too low to support high levels of individual motorised transport. Only 11 % of Bangkok’s surface is dedicated to roads (6,850 km), in the central districts even less than 7 %. [22] Today, every newly built arterial road is immediately saturated with vehicles. Even if Bangkok could build its way out of congestion [23] – which is rather unlikely due to the limited area available for transport – the problem of induced traffic would remain. [24] The effectiveness of expanding road capacity is questionable, especially in already densely built up areas which form a legacy fabric and make road building extremely expensive and both socially and environmentally disturbing. [25]
Summary of Chapters
1. INTRODUCTION: This chapter introduces the urban mobility crisis as a consequence of prioritizing road infrastructure and highlights the potential of integrating land use with transportation planning.
2. SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND THE BASIC CHARACTERISTICS OF CITIES: This section defines the core urban features of density, dimension, and diversity and explains their role in reducing travel distances and achieving sustainable development.
3. SEIZING THE OPPORTUNITIES OF DENSITY, DIMENSION AND DIVERSITY IN BANGKOK: The main body analyzes Bangkok's mobility burdens, identifies driving factors like middle-class bias and governance issues, and proposes strategies to leverage the city's urban structure for sustainability.
4. CONCLUSION: The final chapter summarizes the impact of specific interventions on mobility burdens and emphasizes the necessity of collaborative governance and a shared vision for Bangkok’s future.
Keywords
Urban mobility, Bangkok, transport planning, congestion, sustainability, urban density, urban diversity, dimension, infrastructure, governance, middle-class bias, public transport, non-motorized transport, air pollution, social mobility divide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on the urban mobility crisis in Bangkok, exploring how the city's spatial characteristics can be managed to reduce traffic congestion and environmental impact.
Which theoretical framework is applied?
The research utilizes the "Dimension, Density, Diversity" triangle to assess and improve the sustainability of urban transport systems.
What is the primary research objective?
The objective is to transfer insights from successful sustainable transport cities to Bangkok and provide actionable policy recommendations.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The study employs a qualitative analysis of transport data, urban planning policies, and institutional structures in Bangkok, supported by existing literature and field observations.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body examines congestion, air pollution, social mobility inequality, rising motorization, and the influence of governance and political decision-making on transport development.
Which keywords define this paper?
Key terms include urban mobility, sustainable transport planning, congestion, Bangkok, urban density, and governance.
How does "middle-class bias" affect Bangkok's transport?
Middle-class bias prioritizes car ownership and road expansion, which inadvertently increases automobile dependence and ignores the needs of citizens who rely on public transport.
What role does governance play in the Bangkok transport crisis?
Weak governance, characterized by overlapping mandates, corruption, and a lack of integrated planning, is identified as a primary obstacle to solving the city's long-term transport problems.
- Quote paper
- Dr. Maria Schnurr (Author), 2009, Reducing the Burdens of Mobility by Sustaining the “Dimension, Density, Diversity” Triangle. The Bangkok Example, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/292974
