Time and day: 1:00pm-3:00pm, June 3 (mon), 2019

Place: Seminar room of International Project Lab., Third floor, Engineering Building No.11, Hongo Campus, The University of Tokyo
https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/content/400020145.pdf

Presentation

– Title: Opetational Models, Drivers’ Compensation, and Bus Service Quality in Bangkok

– Abstract:

This paper explores how operational models and compensation methods are associated with bus drivers’ incentives and consequently bus service quality and safety in Bangkok. We cross-analyze data on bus drivers’ compensation collected from a structured interview survey with data on passenger complaints and bus accidents compiled from governmental databases. We find that private joint-service operators provide their drivers with far less compensation and benefits than the state-owned operator. The private operators also tie drivers’ compensation and benefit levels to the numbers of working hours and trips, especially on routes where private operators can compete freely. These compensation methods incentivize drivers to work long hours beyond what is permitted by law, inducing fatigue and potential accidents. The key policy implication is that the bus policy aiming to improve service quality and safety should improve drivers’ compensation and working conditions.

Short bio of presenter

Saksith Chalermpong is Associate Professor in Civil Engineering at Chulalongkorn University, where he teaches transport engineering, planning, and policy. He also serves as Deputy Director of the Transportation Institute, Chulalongkorn Univeristy. His research interests include urban transport planning, public and informal transport, and equality issues in transport policy. He has published extensively in the field of transport, and has provided consulting services for several government agencies in Thailand, including Department of Land Transport, Office of Transport Planning and Policy, and Bangkok Mass Transit Authority. Dr. Chalermpong received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Chlalongkorn University, his master’s degree from MIT, and his doctoral degree from UC Irvine, both in the field of transport.

Charge: free

Language: English only

Participation: Please contact Ms. Tomoko Samukawa (samukawa@ip.civil.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp) for joining this seminar, but you can join the seminar even without pre-regstration.