Evaluating the impact of vertical accessibility performance to Bangkok mass transit stations on the travel behavior of elderly passengers

Abstract

The Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) sky-train is one of Bangkok's primary public transit modes to alleviate traffic congestion among many daily users. Regarding urban mobility, inclusivity is crucial. According to a 2016 World Bank report, by 2040, more than a quarter of the Thai population will be 65 or older. If the elderly could move around the city with greater ease, they would be able to participate more in society and have access to health care regardless of their age. However, news and reports demonstrated the BTS sky train's limited accessibility for persons with limited mobility. In this study, lifts and escalators are regarded as the primary alternatives to stairs for vertical circulation in stations. In terms of vertical egress and access to each station level, the performance of BTS stations in elderly passengers' accessibility was measured. The impact of station facilities' performance on the travel behaviour of the elderly was analysed using a quantitative approach. Three types of stations are categorised according to the dependability and functionality of their equipped facilities. The assessment revealed that nearly half of the stations are conditionally or limitedly accessible. They often use BTS for visits, shopping, recreation, and healthcare-related activities and mostly ride the BTS at non-rush hours. In addition, their choice of station is influenced by its closeness to their residence or its more accessible. Many older passengers who ride BTS alone stated that the seniors independently use the transit. Escalators are the most common means of accessing the station on all levels, while stairs are used to exit the stations. Although the chi-square test reveals that the ease of access to station platforms via escalators and elevators has no significant effect on the travel behaviour and satisfaction of elderly transit users, older people who do not own a private vehicle are more likely to use BTS if all stations have completed facilities. Despite this, findings indicate that age-friendly transit services and policies should consider seniors' well-being, travel convenience, and safety using a holistic design approach.