Abstract:
In today’s world one of the most challenging problems that we face is providing optimal,
efficient, cost effective and also environmentally friendly transport services. According
to Aworemi, Salami, et al. (2008), the demand for public transport depends on two
factors. First, “the desire to make a particular trip and to do so by public transport.
Second, the characteristics and nature of the public transport modes that are available.”
Providing an optimal public transport service which maximizes social welfare is a major
challenge confronted with transport stakeholders in developing countries. Impoverished
conditions in public transport such as bus and rail transport in developing countries have
given rise to a formation of Informal Public Transport (IPT) modes. Further, increasing
urbanization, population and industrial development is increasing the demand for urban
transport services. As a result, demand for comfortable yet affordable public transport has
become inevitably high (Hilling, 1996).
Informal Public Transport (IPT) modes are widespread social phenomena in Sri Lanka
and have become an integral part of the transport sector. The most common and visible
IPT mode in Sri Lanka is the use of Three-Wheelers. Even though many representatives
of Sri Lankan society consider it as a nuisance; congestion of traffic, noise and air
pollution, association with illegal activities, and price irregularities, from the standpoint
of passengers the ready availability, flexibility in door to door service, ease in
communication and “affordability” have found the grounds for the existence of Three wheelers
as an primary IPT mode.
This study examines the socio-economic aspects in Three-Wheelers from both passenger
and Three-Wheeler drivers’ perspective. Researchers of this study believe that it is
important to understand how Three-Wheelers exist in a competitive market environment.
Moreover, due to lack of scientific investigations on this trade, the researchers presents a
socio-economic profile with a profound analysis of the pricing mechanism, market
structures, customer preference, trip purposes, perception of three-wheeler imports, and
social exclusion of three-wheelers, from functional and structural differentiation
perspectives and theories of pricing
