Exploring eco-friendly travel towards sustainable water transport in Bangkok

Abstract

While traffic congestion issues has not be solved in Bangkok, Thailand, an intervention in order to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions is required for sustaining the continuation of this urban problematic. Greening mobility in term of "Eco- Friendly Travel" is therefore the ultimate transport challenge towards sustainability that will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions of existing unsolved land transport. Facing this global sustainability challenge arises the need to adopt an environmental friendly mobility culture by using participatory approach to integrate with technologies and fuel options for water transport system. This study was conducted based on a concise analysis of the current geography of canal network in Bangkok along with an introduction of "canal transit" to ask respondent of 1,200 sets from residents around the Lat Phrao canal which is one of the most potential canal in Bangkok. The results revealed its feasible option for local transport in terms of urban connectivity improvement and community-owned resources. However, it needs various improvements such as accessibility, transit services, urban activities spaces, and community activities and value-added transportation services which would be the keys to success to increase local economic competencies and sustaining water transport in Bangkok.