Transport Poverty in Thailand: Concept, Measurement and Data Availability

Abstract

Transport poverty is not only a term used to accentuate the fact that some groups of population in the society are unable to commute as they need, but the concept is being studied by researchers to accurately locate and identify the disadvantaged, who would need to be considered in transport policy and decision making. Due to its complexity, conceptualization and measurement of transport poverty have not always been clear and comprehensive. As measurement of transport poverty usually requires a specific set of data, developing countries are generally regarded as potentially having insufficient data. Thailand's social and economic context imply that the issue has been present in the country while availability of data required for its measurement is unconfirmed. This paper reviews and discusses how the concept has been defined and measured by some previous research as well as availability of Thailand's data applicable for various types of measurement. The results show that existing data would permit certain types and degrees of measurement; nonetheless, a more precise and accurate measurement of the issue would require more complete data sets.

Transport Poverty with Special Reference to Sustainability: A Systematic Review of the Literature

“…However, this is not the only problem. Another problem is that there is no consensus on the conceptualisation and measurement of transport poverty [3], which is sometimes confused with energy poverty [4] or with the impossibility of making a journey, either because of the costs of transport or because of the accessibility to transport [5]. In view of this situation, and in order to create a common criterion in the terminology studied, a concept of transport poverty arises based on transport accessibility and mobility [6].…”

Editorial introduction

“…Some suggestions for further improvement illustrate the current gaps between research and practice. Metta (2020) addresses the issue of transport poverty and more directly focuses on achieving Sustainable Development Goals. As stated in Target 11.2, "by 2030, (we shall) provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, (with) improved road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons".…”