Urban Rail Transit Safety Assessment: The Case of Railway Passenger in Bangkok
Keywords:
Urban Rail Safety, Passenger Perception, Accessibility for Disabled Passengers, Station Facility Improvement, Security Measures in Public TransitAbstract
Background and Aim: This study explore passenger perceptions of safety within Bangkok's urban rail networks, emphasizing safety operations and management. The research aims to identify areas of strength and weakness in the system to provide actionable recommendations for improvement.
Material and Methods: Data were collected from 394 respondents using a survey-based methodology. The survey assessed various safety dimensions, including operational safety, station facilities, security measures, and services for disabled passengers.
Results: The findings reveal high satisfaction levels for operational safety, particularly in signals, signage, and safety equipment, reflecting a strong commitment to passenger protection. However, moderate ratings were noted for station facilities, security measures, and services for disabled passengers, indicating significant areas for enhancement.
Conclusion: This study evaluated passenger perceptions of safety in Bangkok's urban rail transit system across six key dimensions: station facilities, signals, signage, safety equipment, security, and accessibility for disabled passengers. While operational safety, such as signals (4.45) and signage (4.26), received high satisfaction ratings, moderate scores for station facilities (3.53), security measures (3.54), and accessibility services (3.49) reveal significant areas needing improvement. Notably, low ratings for some attributes such as platform safety features (2.96), luggage checks (2.79), and disabled-friendly restrooms (2.36) indicate critical gaps in safety, security, and inclusivity. Addressing these deficiencies through enhancements in infrastructure, such as ADA-compliant facilities, better lighting, and upgraded security systems, is essential for ensuring a safer and more inclusive urban rail system. These findings provide actionable insights for policymakers and rail operators to align urban rail safety improvements with international best practices, fostering sustainable urban development and boosting passenger trust and ridership.
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