Publications

Chapter 8: Case Studies from Phnom Penh, Cambodia
by PHUN Veng kheang, 2024

Abstract:
Phnom Penh, now home to over two million people, saw its 2022 transportation modal share dominated by private motorcycles (58.1%), followed by private cars (14.1%), informal transportation (15.6%), and public city buses (1.4%). The public city bus system, operational since 2019, is the only formal public transportation, with 366 km of limited bus lines. Due to insufficient formal transportation, residents rely heavily on informal modes, primarily bajajs (three-wheelers) via ride-hailing applications (RHAs). Since 2016, RHAs like PassApp, Grab, TADA, Nham24, and WeGo Taxi have gained popularity. Grab and Nham24 also function as super apps, which in addition to transportation, offering food delivery, shopping, and parcel services. RHAs have revolutionized commuting in Phnom Penh, offering reliable, affordable, and convenient options. However, there is no formal regulation for these services. RHA companies manage driver operations, requiring national ID cards, driving licenses, vehicle registrations, and proof of inspections. Despite the regulatory gap, the government mandates that RHA companies register their businesses and provide safety training for drivers.

Transporming Urban Mobility in Phnom Penh: Towards inclusive and equitable accessibility

Research Team, 2021
BAETZNER Arnd; PHUN Veng Kheang; YEN Yat, NGO Natharoun

Abstract:
This report aims to provide a first-order quantification of the economic and social costs of organizational and infrastructural deficits that affect the current state of urban mobility in Phnom Penh. Methodologically, the report adopts a broad urban design perspective on which all considerations, economic and beyond, are based. Research and documentation have shown that the assignment and management of urban space is one of the key aspects in understanding, factoring and addressing the current deficits.

Full report at: https://khmerstudies.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Tranforming-Urband-Mobility-in-Phnom-Penh.pdf

Refereed Papers

Keo, S.; Phun V.K (Accepted 2026). An Evaluation of ANPR Technology for Traffic Violation Detection at Signalized Intersections in Phnom Penh. Techo-Science Research Journal.
Phun V.K. (2025). Exploring Factors Affecting Passengers' Willingness to Relocate Intercity Bus Terminals in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Journal of the Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies 16. https://doi.org/10.11175/easts.16.PP4008
Plack, S., Phun V.K. (Accepted2025). Assessing the impact of road traffic composition on pedestrian exposure to air pollution in urban area: Evidence from Phnom Penh Streets, Cambodia. Journal of the Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies 16
Plack, S., Phun V.K. (Accepted 2025). Weighting Approach for Assessing Walkability Index of Urban Streets: Case Study of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Journal of the Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies 16
Phiny L., Phun, V.K., Saum, N., Plack, S. (Accepted2025). Assessing the impact of Motorcycle Emissions on Urban Air Quality: A Case Study at the Institute of Technology of Cambodia. Techno-Science Research Journal.
Phiny L., Saum, N., Phun V.K., Plack, S. (2025). Factors affecting air quality at urban parking area: Case study of motorcycle emissions inside Institute of Technology of Cambodia. EASTS 2025 proceedings. https://easts.info/on-line/proceedings/vol.15/pdf/F_PP3891.pdf
Srorn P., Saum, N., Phun V.K., Kov, M. (2025). Study on Public Bus Ridership Prediction using Machine Learning: A Case Study of Public Bus in Phnom Penh City. Journal of the Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies 16. https://doi.org/10.11175/easts.16.PP3886
Lin, O.Z., Stepanec L., Koutroulis, E., Aye, H.Y., Era, M.L., Phun, V.K. (2025). Barriers to electric vehicle adoption in ASEAN emergin economies: comparative analysis of Cambodia, Myanmar, and the Philippines. Discover Sustainability, 6:725, https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01637-4
Ros, K., Phun V.K., Yang, P. (2025). The Negative Experiences of Low-Income Citizen Commute and Their Intentions Toward Public Bus in Phnom Penh. Techno-Science Research Journal 13(3). https://techno-srj.itc.edu.kh/menuscript/4c817947016cbd48ac4d2945075bedc7
An, O., Yen, Y., Phun V.K. (Accepted2025). Using Distance Measures to Assess Accessibility to Urban Services from Public City Bus Stops in Phnom Penh. Techno-Science Research Journal.
Suon, K., Phun, V.K., Saum, N. (2025). Examining Passenger Loyalty in Phnom Penh Publich Bus System: A Structural Equaiton Modelling Approach. Techno-Science Research Journal. available at https://techno-srj.itc.edu.kh/menuscript/64bf353e195f572d7978c0a314933e4e
Seng, H., Phun, V.K., Yang, P., Saum, N. (2025). Reducing traffic congestion during flyover construction: A case study of flyover construction at the intersection 2004, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Techno-Science Research Journal. Available at https://techno-srj.itc.edu.kh/menuscript/f05d188e81696c4019368b5a38fc66f1
S-Oeurn K., Phun, V.K., Yang, P., (2024). Minimum Standard of Traffic Safety Devices at Primary School Zone Black Spot in Phnom Penh. Techno-Science Research Journal 12(2), 41-52. https://techno-srj.itc.edu.kh/menuscript/95a6a6c11d90f5c22e73ab9a4859d45f
Phun, V.K., Yai, T. (2024). How Low-Income Individuals Commute in Phnom Penh. Journal of the Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies 15, 2273-2288. https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/easts/15/0/15_2273/_pdf
Yang, P., Phun, V.K., Yai, T. (2023). Operational Characteristics of Commuting Modes for Factory Workers in Phnom Penh. Journal of the Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies 15, 254-270. https://doi.org/10.11175/easts.15.254
Yang, P., Phun, V.K., Yai, T. (2024). Impact of COVID-19 on Paratransit Services Operating with Ride-Hailing Apps: The Phnom Penh Case. Journal of the Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies 15, 1-15. https://doi.org/10.11175/easts.15.1
SAM, S., Phun, V.K. , Yang, P. (2024). Should Water Taxi Service in Phnom Penh be Abandoned or Sustained? Techno-Science Research Journal 12(2), 53-62. https://techno-srj.itc.edu.kh/menuscript/24a31227d1dba00dce71c547a2d3f57e
Plack, S., Phun, V.K., Yang, P., Taing, K. (2024). Walkability and importance assessment of pedestrian facilities in Phnom Penh City. Techno-Science Research Journal 12(1), 31-45. https://techno-srj.itc.edu.kh/menuscript/aec90b7eb40194df237fc6cee8a06f89
Chheng, V., Pheng, P., Phun, V.K. (2022). Improving Urban Traffic Flow at Congested Signalized Intersections in Phnom Penh: Case Study of Neakvaon Intersection. Techno-Science Research Journal 10(2), 43-49. https://techno-srj.itc.edu.kh/menuscript/d59b0ab3698cab1bc802508d0e6ddbca
Soth, C., Phun, V.K., Sok, T., Yit, B. (2022). Evaluation of Structural Pavement by Using Light Weight Deflectometer in Cambodia. Techno-Science Research, 10(1), 8-16. https://techno-srj.itc.edu.kh/public/journal/document/04.pdf
Morm, U., Phun, V.K. Yen, Y. (2022). Factors Affecting he Decision to Change from Bajaj Drivers to other Jobs, Phnom Penh Case. International Journal of Engineering Advanced Research, 4(3), pp. 153-166.
Phun, V.K., Pheng, P., Kato, H., and Yai, T. (2022). Influence of COVID-19 pandemic on old-style LAMAT services in developing cities of Asia: The case study of Phnom Penh. Asian Transport Studies 8 (100080), pp. 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eastsj.2022.100080
Chhiev, V., Phun, V.K., Yen, Y., and Yai, T. (2021). A Study on Online Food Delivery Service Before and During Covid-19 Pandemic in Phnom Penh. International Journal of Social Science Research 3(4), pp. 1-16. https://www.scribd.com/document/752948502/16469-1465-55587-1-10-20211210
Yang, P., Chheng R., and Phun, V.K. (2021). Re-Engineering Kdan Pir Intersection to Improve Traffic Flow in Phnom Penh. Techno-Science Research Journal 9(1), pp. 71-77. https://techno-srj.itc.edu.kh/menuscript/584ccc58f49c1b724acc6ff700b28205
Chheng R., Pheng, P., Hun, S., Yang P., and Phun, V.K. (2021). A Study on Traffic Signalization to Improve Traffic Flow at Kdan Pir Intersection in Phnom Penh City. Techno-Science Research Journal 9(1), pp. 63-70. https://techno-srj.itc.edu.kh/menuscript/ead267238c390bf6a2b027e7e18f2764
Hayakawa G., Kato, H., Phun, V.K. (2021). Incorporating Travel Time Reliability in Travel Mode Choice of Ride-hailing Services in Developing Cities: Evidence from Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Compendium of papers of the 100th Transportation Research Board annual meeting, January 5-29, 2021, Washington D.C., U.S.A.
Phun, V.K., Pheng, P., Masui, R., Kato, H., and Yai, T. (2020). Impact of ride-hailing apps on traditional LAMAT services in Asian developing cities: The Phnom Penh case. Asian Transport Studies 6, pp. 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eastsj.2020.100006
Phun, V.K., Kato, H., and Yai, T. (2020). Utilization of ride-hailing apps in Asian Developing Cities: The Phnom Penh Case. Techno-Science Research Journal 8, pp. 140-149. https://techno-srj.itc.edu.kh/menuscript/db7af36febe363d71544ab6fdd1b3014
Kaneko, Y., Nakagawa, T., Phun, V.K., and Kato, H. (2019). Impacts of urban rail investment on regional economies: Evidences from Tokyo using spatial difference-indifferences analysis. Transportation Research Record 2673 (10), pp. 129-140. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0361198119846098
Phun, V.K., Kato, H., and Chalermpong, S. (2019). Paratransit as a connective mode for mass transit systems in Asian developing cities: Case of Bangkok in the era of ride-hailing services, Transport Policy 75, pp. 27-35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranpol.2019.01.002
Phun, V.K., Masui, R., and Yai, T. (2018). Operational characteristics of paratransit service with ride-hailing in Asian developing cities: The Phnom Penh case. Journal of Transportation Technologies 8 (4), pp. 291-311. https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=87844
Phun, V.K., Kato, H., and Yai, T. (2018), “Traffic risk perception and behavioral intentions of paratransit users in Phnom Penh,” Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour 55, pp. 175-187. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trf.2018.03.008
Phun, V.K., Kato, H., and Yai, T. (2017), “Characteristics and perceptions of paratransit users in Phnom Penh,” Journal of the Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies 12, pp. 2215-2232. https://doi.org/10.11175/easts.12.2215
Li, C.-W., Suzuki, M., Phun, V.K., and Yai, T. (2018), “Change of users’ behavioral intention after repeated aviation accidents: A potential problem for long-term safety,” Asian Transport Studies 5 (1), pp. 206-223. https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/eastsats/5/1/5_206/_pdf/-char/ja
Phun, V.K., Hirata, T., and Yai, T. (2016), “Effects of noise exposure of other people on aircraft noise tolerability using a reference point approach,” Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment 48, pp. 171-186. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2016.08.012
Phun, V.K. and Yai, T. (2016), “Intention of paratransit drivers to operate as feeder service of public bus in Phnom Penh,” Transport Policy Studies’ Review 19 (2), pp. 2-14. https://www.jttri.or.jp/journal/bn/pdf/no73_gakujutsu01.pdf
Phun, V.K., Hirata, T., and Yai, T. (2016), “Effects of noise information provision on aircraft noise tolerability: Results from an experimental study,” Journal of Air Transport Management 52, pp. 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jairtraman.2015.11.005
Phun, V.K. and Yai, T. (2016), “State of the art of paratransit literatures in Asian developing countries,” Asian Transportation Studies 4 (1), pp. 57-77. https://doi.org/10.11175/eastsats.4.57
Phun, V.K., Masui, R., and Yai, T. (2015), “The future prospects of paratransit service in Phnom Penh,” Proceedings of the 7th Regional Symposium on Infrastructure Development 20 (7), pp. 221-226, November 5-7, 2015, Bangkok, Thailand.
Phun, V.K., Pheng, P., and Yai, T. (2015), “Using ordered probit modeling to assess perceived bus performance in Phnom Penh,” Journal of the Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies 11, pp. 1155-1172. https://doi.org/10.11175/easts.11.1155
Phun, V.K., Lim, I., and Yai, T. (2015), “The characteristics of paratransit operation and fare in Phnom Penh,” Journal of the Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies 11, pp. 1307-1327. https://doi.org/10.11175/easts.11.1307
Li, C.-W., Phun, V.K., Suzuki, M., and Yai, T. (2015), “The effects of aviation accidents on public perception toward an airline,” Journal of the Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies 11, pp. 2347-2362. https://doi.org/10.11175/easts.11.2347
Phun, V.K., Hirata, T., and Yai, T. (2015), “Effects of noise sensitivity, noise exposure, and affluent status on aircraft noise annoyance,” Journal of Environmental Protection 6(9), pp. 976-985. https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=59413
Phun, V.K., Terada, J., Hirata, T., and Yai, T. (2015), “Analysis of aircraft noise sensitivity for an urban airport using the concept of a reference noise level,” Asian Transportation Studies 3 (3), pp. 345-361. https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/eastsats/3/3/3_345/_pdf
Phun, V.K., Hirata, T., and Yai, T. (2013), “Analysis of acceptable flight frequency in the presence of the effects of other people’s noise situations,” Compendium of papers of the 92nd Transportation Research Board annual meeting, January 13-17, 2013, Washington D.C., U.S.A.
Phun, V.K., Hirata, T., and Yai, T. (2013), “Analysis of acceptable flight frequency under the effects of other people’s noise-situations,” Journal of the Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies 10, pp. 2147-2160. https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/eastsats/3/3/3_345/_pdf
Phun, V.K., Hirata, T., and Yai, T. (2013), “A methodology to study the effects of other people’s characteristics on individual noise acceptability,” Proceedings of the 4th Tokyo Tech-KU Joint Seminar on Infrastructure Development, October 31-November 1, 2013, Tokyo, Japan.
Phun, V.K. and Chalermpong, S. (2010), “Airport noise impact on property values: A case of Suvarnabhumi Airport,” Journal of Asian Transportation Research Society 2, pp. 60-68. https://atransociety.com/resources/pdf/pdfSymposium2009/download/ppt_day_2/SCS-08%20Airport%20Noise%20impact%20on%20Property%20values-%20Suvarnabhumi%20(Vengkheang%20PHUN).pdf (Journal was published as book)

Proceedings/Reports

Phun, V.K. (2019). "Ride-Hailing apps for LAMAT Services and Their Influences in Asian Developing Cities," Transport Policy Studies’ Review ? (?), pp. ?-?. [ISSN 1344-3348]
Phun, V.K. (2018). “Mapping future mobility,” Internal Resource Report, Japan Transport Research Institute, Tokyo, June 2018.
Phun, V.K. (2018), “Overview of urban public transport in Cambodia,” Japan Transport Cooperation Association 211, pp. 14-25. [ISSN 911-4912] (In Japanese: カンボジアにおける都市公共交通の概況, pp. 22-25)
Phun, V.K. (2018), “The future of LAMAT in Asia,” Transport Policy Studies’ Review 20, pp. 1-9. [ISSN 1344-3348]
Phun, V.K. (2017), “Traffic risk perception and loyalty of LAMAT users in Phnom Penh,” Transport Policy Studies’ Review 19 (4), pp. 48-52. [ISSN 1344-3348]
Phun, V.K. (2016), “The future LAMAT system in Asian developing countries,” Transport Policy Studies’ Review 18 (4), pp. 15-19. [ISSN 1344-3348] (In Japanese: 急速に発展するアジア諸国におけるＬＡＭＡＴシステムの将来)
Li, C.W., Yai, T., Suzuki, M., and Phun, V.K. (2015), “Analysis of safety worries toward aviation accidents using Cox Proportional Hazards model,” Proceedings of the 19th Air Transport Research Society World Conference, July 2-5, 2015, Singapore.
Phun, V.K. (2014), “The future mass transit system and the existing paratransit modes: Challenges and alternative solutions,” Internal Report, Toshiba-Tokyo Tech Collaborative Research Project, Tokyo, October 2014.
Phun, V.K. (2014), “A summary report on transport planning documents,” Internal Report, Toshiba-Tokyo Tech Collaborative Research Project, Tokyo, July 2014.
Phun, V.K., Hirata, T., and Yai, T. (2012), “An analysis of aircraft noise acceptability,” Proceedings of the 1st International Education Forum on Environment and Energy Science, December 14-18, 2012, Hawaii’s Big Island, U.S.A.
Phun, V.K., Terada, J., Hirata, T., and Yai, T. (2012), “Aircraft noise sensitivity analysis for urban airport: An application of prospect theory based on headphone experiment,” Proceedings of the 16th Air Transport Research Society World Conference, June 27-30, 2012, Tainan, Taiwan.
Klaikleung, A., Phun, V.K., and Chalermpong, S. (2009), “Suvarnabhumi Airport noise impact on property values,” Proceedings of the 6th National Transportation Conference, October 28-30, 2009, Phitsanulok, Thailand. (in Thai)

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