Consideration of Road Management from the View Points of Long- and Short-Distance Road User’s Satisfaction

Wardhana A.P,Kiyota M,Ishibashi K

doi:10.9744/ced.13.2.90-97

Abstract

This study observed long- and short-distance road user satisfaction with national road infrastructure in order to direct future road management strategies. The research was a quantitative research method using questionnaire translated into the Japanese Language. The questionnaires were distributed to 2000 road users of two national roads in Saga, Japan. A five-point Likert scale was used to measure road user satisfaction, then the data were analyzed using stepwise regression. Based on regression model, long- and short-distance road user satisfactions were both affected by two same elements (road surface and road facilities). The availability of sidewalks mostly affected short-distance road user satisfaction. On the other hand, the smoothness of road surface was more considered by long-distance road user. Considering the findings, existing problems of inappropriate-infrastructure quality can be addressed to help satisfy user’s expectations.

Highlights

The Japanese government has emphasized on road construction [1]
The authors benchmarked with the Tokyo Metropolitan Highway Questionnaire [10] and incorporated Guidance of International Road Federation (IRF) [11]
The existing condition of a road’s infrastructure from the view points of short- and long-distance road user satisfaction should be an essential component of road management strategies aimed at maintenance or improvement

Summary

Introduction

The Japanese government has emphasized on road construction [1]. It is essential to maintain road infrastructure and at the same time continue to provide a level of service that will satisfy road user. Conventional road repair and maintenance is to mend only damaged parts and areas of roads when they were found during inspections [1]. The Japanese government has a road management system to maintain their road infrastructure, called PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, and Action) [3]. Lack of communication between the government and the road user causes hindrance to the road management to be implemented effectively [1, 3]. One of the key elements of road management is community and road user involvement [4]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion