Factors Affecting on the Demand for Three Wheelers: Special Reference to the Perception of Passengers

Abstract

Three wheelers play a significant role in the transportation sector in Sri Lanka. The selection of this topic is highly influenced to the current situation of Sri Lanka where we can see a large number of three wheelers on the road. It is clearly highlighted a rapid growth in threewheel population from one year to another. Statistical reports of Department of Motor Traffic Sri Lanka show More than 65% of growth from year 2014 to 2015. which compel government to restrict the importation of three wheelers. Therefore, Research is conducted to identify the factors contributing to a high demand for three wheelers. Researcher selected Colombo metropolitan area as the sample, because it is consisted with a large population, large working crowd, congested travel area and less parking facilities. Under random sampling technique, Researcher distributed a questionnaire for more than 500 passengers. After testing the reliability of the data set, a factor analysis was run to identify the most influential factors contributing the demand for three - wheelers. Finally, it was concluded that passenger behaviour, quality of service, transport sector variables, infrastructure and policy making are highly influenced on the demand for three - wheelers.