The Spatial Distribution of Taxi Stations in Bangkok

Abstract

Taxis play a crucial role as an on-demand transportation mode in developing countries due to perceived inefficiencies of cities’ public transportation systems. However, studies on the locational distribution of taxis in urban areas are limited, despite the need to improve passenger service quality by balancing the demand and supply of taxi services. Notably, taxi stations possess distinct characteristics compared with other public transport stations that serve passengers directly; in contrast, taxi stations solely support taxi drivers in locations where they begin and conclude their work. This study aims to determine the spatial distribution pattern and assess the agglomeration economies of taxi stations, using Bangkok as a case study, a city with a significant number of registered taxis and dispersed taxi stations. This research takes into account various spatial variables, including land price, land use mix index, population density, and gas station locations. The primary tool for analyzing the spatial distribution pattern was the spatial statistics model, employing ArcGIS 10.8 software. The analysis consisted of three steps: testing for clustered or dispersed patterns using Moran’s I, applying Anselin’s local Moran’s I (LISA) to examine the relationship between taxi station coordinates and spatial variables such as land price, land use mix index, and population density, and evaluating the relationship between taxi stations and energy service stations using the network analysis tool. The results revealed that taxi stations exhibited a spatially clustered pattern and were closely correlated with the land use mix index, land price, and population density, as indicated by Moran’s index values of 0.425, 0.328, and 0.373, respectively, especially those located within a 3000 m radius of gas stations. These findings elucidate the location selection of taxi stations, which tend to prioritize areas that can generate maximum profits for the taxi business rather than those with minimal location costs. They also tend to be situated in proximity to market areas. Additionally, the study recommends that the government consider promoting electric taxis as a sustainable mode of urban transport in the future to reduce the usage of natural gas (NGV) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).