Described: 20 Sep 2024 at 05: 30
Suriya Jungrungreangkit, the chancellor of transportation, confirmed that the government does not intend to offer the operator, Don Muang Tollway Plc, an extension of the Don Muang Tollway’s activity concession in exchange for a cap on the toll.
The verification refuted news reports that an improvement was being planned in exchange for dropping the burden by 5 to 10 baht starting in December.
According to Mr. Suriya, citing findings from a research conducted by the Department of Highways ( DoH), it is not worthwhile to extend the agreement to maintain the current burden charges until the recent agreement expires.
Mr. Suriya formerly made it known that the turnpike operator intended to increase fees on December 22. The chancellor apparently set up a study to look into the possibility of the company choosing to receive an expanded concession, as long as the costs are not raised.
According to Mr. Suriya, the technician is prepared to implement two more burdens rises, one in December and the second one in December 2029, before the turnpike agreement expires in 2034.
A new turnpike management and toll calculation system may be developed after the concession is over.
The secretary continued,” We are asking drivers to be patient while we work on this issue,” adding that the government will occasionally try to persuade Don Muang Tollway to provide discounts to customers.
Currently, a 5 % discount is being given but a bigger one would be better, he said, adding the DoH is in talks with the tollway operator on the issue.
The burden fees range from 40 to 170 ringgit, depending on the size of the car and the traveling distance, said a cause.
Sarawut Songsivilai, DoH director-general, said before the investigation by the DoH suggested that after the agreement expires, the costs may be brought down to as low as 20 ringgit or scrapped entirely.