A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science inUrban Environmental Management

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2009

Paratransit services are significant players in the urban transport system of developing countries in response to the accessibility and affordability needs of people and inadequate public transport provision. However, they also contribute much to congestion and pollution in the cities. In response to the deterioration of urban air quality, transport studies have emphasized the achievement of co-benefits through appropriate transport modes. Those studies focus mostly on reduced emissions and improved air quality through the provision of modern public transport modes. There is a need to recognize the range of benefits provided by paratransit services that encompass the environmental and socio-economic dimensions. This study analyzed the operational characteristics, demand and attributes of jeepneys and identified its multi-benefits related to environmental quality, livelihood opportunity and access provision through a framework of service quality valuation that allowed people to rank given attributes based on their perceptions. The analysis concluded that jeepneys offer no environmental benefits on a business-as»usual scenario but they offer access that is reliable and affordable while providing livelihood to drivers and their families. The multi-benefit perspective allows for the creation of strategies and measures that promote an inclusive, socially-responsive and environmentally sensitive urban paratransit system