Title: A study on challenges of passenger transport system in Bhutan

Authors: Madan Gurung; Elangbam Haridev Singh

Addresses: Faculty of Finance and Statistics, Gedu College of Business Studies, Royal University of Bhutan, Bhutan ' Faculty and Head of Department, School of Business Management, St. Joseph University, India

Abstract: The entire transport system is faced with challenges. The development of modern Bhutan depends on the robust transportation system as we heavily depend on the import of both goods and services. The role of the transport system is very crucial for any kind of economic development. Challenges from the perspective of economics, environment, social, and technological and operational aspects of transporters were studied using AHP. Transporters had a major issue with not having enough passengers for business operations. The study also shows depleting profit margins due to an increase in the number of taxis and buses in both areas of study, i.e., Thimphu and Phuentsholing. Apart from these challenges, the transport system in Bhutan is not disabled friendly. The drivers are also incurring health problems due to long engagement hours as well as family problems due to lack of family time. Hence, driving as a profession is not socially recognised.

Keywords: passenger transport; bus; taxi; sustainable transport; analytical hierarchy process; AHP; multi-criteria decision analysis; MCDA; Bhutan.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMCDM.2022.128899

International Journal of Multicriteria Decision Making, 2022 Vol.9 No.2, pp.136 - 153

Accepted: 16 Oct 2022
Published online: 09 Feb 2023 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article