Correlates of Commuting Patterns: A Case-study of Bangkok, Thailand

Abstract

Commuting plays a causal role in the process of adjusting between residence and workplace. This paper examines the relationship between demographic, socio-economic and social environment factors and commuting patterns in Bangkok, Thailand. Based on the assumption that the commuting decision involves a two-step process—a decision to work at home or not, and a decision on commuting distance and time—the results indicated that age, sex, occupation and time spent living in current home were significantly associated with workplace location. Age and home-ownership status related to commuting time, and commuting distance related to occupation and home-ownership status. Furthermore, the analysis indicates that correlates of commuting patterns were largely explained by the set of socio-economic factors. Home-ownership status, however, had an important effect on commuting patterns.