Impact of gentrification on travel behavior in transit-oriented development areas in Bangkok, Thailand

Abstract

Bangkok has a well-developed urban rail transit system that attracts high-density residential and commercial developments around its stations. This study examines whether gentrification occurs in transit-oriented development (TOD) areas and how travel behavior to work differs between new residents and original residents. From the analysis of a questionnaire survey of new condominium residents and old shophouse residents in 12 station areas along two lines of the Bangkok Transit System (BTS), we find that the areas are gentrified by the development of condominiums. Condominium residents' incomes and level of education are higher than shophouse residents. The shophouse residents have a bigger family size and have a higher proportion of business ownership than condominium residents. Although new residents use the BTS more frequently than original residents, they also prefer to drive cars more than original residents. Shophouse residents are more likely to use motorbikes and walk to work. This is expected because a higher ratio of original residents own a business and their workplace is near their residence. The distance between a station and the workplace affects the preferred mode of travel if the choice is between the BTS and cars but not if the choice is between the BTS and motorbikes. To promote the use of the BTS among car owners, setting up workplaces that employ university graduates near BTS stations would be effective. Condominium developments in station areas will increase car usage around the station area and stations are often along main roads. Preventing excessive gentrification is necessary not only from viewpoint of equity but also for preventing traffic jams in main roads.