According to the transportation minister, the pay-to-drive system would also help to lessen traffic on big Bangkok roads.
PUBLISHED: 17 Oct 2024 at 14: 01
To help pay for a smooth 20-baht fare policy for all electronic rail lines in Greater Bangkok, the government intends to implement a congestion charge of 40 to 50 baht on drivers who enter interior Bangkok streets.
The pay-to-drive demand, according to Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, may cost between 40 and 50 ringgit in the first five years and be comparable to the one that has been used successfully in seven British cities, including London.
Since 1998, Singapore has also used digital road pricing. Gantry-mounted readers scan vehicle tags, with fees ranging from S$ 1-6 ( 25 to 150 baht ) depending on distance travelled, prevailing traffic volumes and other factors.
Mr Suriya said the congestion charge may be imposed on roads where there are electric rail lines, such as Ratchadaphisek, Silom and Sukhumvit streets, which are used by about 700, 000 cars regularly.
Charging individuals, he said, may reduce vehicle figures on those roads to 600, 000 a moment, while the government should be able to gather about 10 billion ringgit a year in fees.
Mr. Suriya has also suggested that the government obtain out existing operators and letting them remain operating their systems in order to achieve the goal of a 20-baht peak level fare across all systems.
He estimated that$ 200 billion would be needed to buy back the concessions, with funds raised from investors and the congestion charge being paid for.
A consulting firm may be hired to analyze the plan, according to Mr. Suriya, with details anticipated to be made available by the middle of 2025.
He claimed that the congestion charge was encourage drivers to use Bangkok’s public transportation systems and lessen heat pollution.
Since October 16, 2023, the 20-baht level fare has been a standard on the Red Line’s Bang Sue-Rangsit and Bang Sue-Taling Chan areas as well as the Taopoon-Bang Yai area.
At present, charges range from 14 to 62 ringgit depending on the railroad operator and travel ranges.