Decision-making on Public Transportation Services Based on the Socio-economic, Psychological, and Environmental Concern Factors

This research aims to study the socio-economic, psychological, and environmental factors which affect the decision making of passengers with regard to the use of public transportation route from Nong Khai province, which is considered as the border area of Thailand and Laos, to many destinations.

The study was initially carried out by collecting data from 450 passengers using two public transportation services and 200 passengers using private cars. An analysis was conducted by means of descriptive statistics, factor analysis and binary logistic regression.

The results showed that the status, age, domicile, self-satisfaction and accomplishment, safety of life and property, and self-consciousness and environmental conservation practice influenced the choice of both the alternatives.

To develop a service model, a variety of bus and van services must be provided to match the varied demand of passengers with different levels of purchasing power. It is also important to consider the impact of various factors that affect the public bus service selection, which may result in improved public transport systems. As a consequence, the well-being of border area citizens can be improved.