Below is an understanding and analysis of the current transport conditions by different transport modes for the areas where the Northern Line utilization will be affected. An assumption of expected passenger demand will be made when the new Sprinter for transport time reduction is implemented. The assumption also includes effects to be brought by expected increase of revenues.
5.5.1 Present conditions
(1) Transport conditions between areas
The present conditions by different transport means are studied for between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, and between Bangkok and Phitsanulok (Table 5.5-1, Table 5.5-2). These areas are picked up for studying because they are typical for inter-region traffic flows concerning the Northern Line.
1) Between Bangkok and Chiang Mai
According to the number of passengers by different transport means in 1995, railways accounted for 1/4 of the bus transportation volume (including passenger cars), and 1/2 to 1/3 of the air transportation volume. Reasons why railways account for such low shares of transportation volume are seemingly because of longer transport time, expensive fares and charges, and limited number of train operation services, compared to other transport means (air transportation fares and charges are excluded).
2) Between Bangkok and Phitsanulok
The distance is a little less than 400 kilometers. Thus, the share of airline transport in the distance is low. On the other hand, bus transport (including passenger cars) accounts for 90 % of the entire transport in these area, while the railway accounts for just 7 %. The bus transport dominance seems to have been caused by relatively low transport fares and charges compared to those of the railway because both kinds of transport means take almost the same transportation time and the number of operation services.
