A Guideline to Promote Sustainable Urban Development through Rail Transit Infrastructure: A Case Study of Pathum Thani Province

Abstract

Polycentric development has been introduced to support the development of suburban communities of Bangkok. Urban development with multi-center community (Polycentric Development) must be implemented by developing public transport to serve as an integrated connection. This study selected Pathum Thani province as a case study to identify the appropriate link through the metropolitan transportation network systems and to understand the connection between the primary and secondary systems. This study employed geographic information system (GIS) tools to explore the city’s physical characteristics that include land use, density, access to infrastructure, and transportation network. Findings reveal that the rail transport system is the primary public transport system which was planned and developed to provide efficient links among Bangkok and its vicinities, particularly Pathum Thani Province. Thus, the strategic plans for spatial development could be recommended for promote urban connection network and feeder system which would help to improve the accessibility among different sub-centers. Finally, it will help to promote the effective urban development while alleviate long distance travels and endorsed as a guideline for sustainable polycentric development in Bangkok and its vicinity.