sustainability Article Can Space–Time Shifting of Activities and Travels Mitigate Hyper-Congestion in an Emerging Megacity, Bangkok? Effects on Quality of Life and CO2 Emission Witsarut Achariyaviriya 1,* , Yoshitsugu Hayashi 2, Hiroyuki Takeshita 2, Masanobu Kii 3 , Varameth Vichiensan 4 and Thanaruk Theeramunkong 5,6 1 Department of Constructional Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Chubu University, Kasugai 487-8501, Aichi, Japan 2 Center for Sustainable Development and Global Smart City, Chubu University, Kasugai 487-8501, Aichi, Japan;
[email protected] (Y.H.);
[email protected] (H.T.) 3 Faculty of Engineering and Design, Kagawa University, Hayashi-cho 2217-20, Takamatsu, Japan;
[email protected] 4 Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand;
[email protected] 5 Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology, School of Information, Computer, and Communication Technology, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12000, Thailand;
[email protected] 6 The Academy of Science, The Royal Society of Thailand, Sanam Suea Pa, Dusit, Bangkok 10300, Thailand * Correspondence:
[email protected] Abstract: Many megacities in the world, especially Bangkok, are facing severe congestion in road traffic and public transport, particularly during peak hours. This situation (a) worsens the quality Citation: Achariyaviriya, W.; of life, (b) releases emissions causing air pollution and climate change, and (c) subsequently creates Hayashi, Y.; Takeshita, H.; Kii, M.; requests for massive investment in transport infrastructure, which easily exceed the budget’s limit. Vichiensan, V.; Theeramunkong, T. Instead of solving the problem by supply-side strategies, applying ICT-based solutions to reform Can Space–Time Shifting of Activities people’s daily activities, particularly commuting and working behaviors, on the demand-side is and Travels Mitigate Hyper-Congestion an alternative solution.