Government expects payment of B140 million for bus and electric train providers, which all cancel fares.
PUBLISHED: 24 Jan 2025 at 17: 00
In response to rising air pollution levels that have spread across all of Bangkok’s regions, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has mandated that all regions get free public transportation starting on Saturday.
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, a deputy prime minister, stated on Friday that the prime minister desired the ministry and the relevant organizations to address Bangkok’s high levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometers and smaller ( PM2.5 ) levels.
From Jan 25 to 31, individuals may be given free service on trucks and electric carriages, said Mr Suriya. He has worked with Bangkok Expressway, Metro Public Company, and Bangkok Transit System Plc ( BTS ) operators to offer free rides to passengers on electric trains. Additionally, the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority ( BMTA ) has agreed to provide free bus transportation throughout the week.
The state will implement measures to make a payment to the companies that offer free transportation during this time. According to Mr. Suriya, pending government approval, a central bank of about 140 million baht may be set aside for the project. He expressed assurance that the program may be back by all officials.
In the funds, the government has set up eight checkpoints to track auto emissions. They are in front of Coming Park Rangsit, Klong Toey Port, Chatuchak Park, KM 1 on Bang Na Road, Min Buri Waterworks Office on Suwinthawong Road, Bang Khunthian Highway Office on Rama II Road, and along Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok and Boromratchonnanee bridges, in both inbound and outbound roads.
” I believe people will use free transport services by more than 20 % to 30 %”, said Mr Suriya. ” If debris ranges do never improve by the end of this seven-day time, we will review and consider whether to extend the action”.
According to the most recent statistics from Swiss-based IQAir, Bangkok was ranked as the fourth-worst city in the world for air quality on Friday.
Air pollution chart of Thailand. ( Image: IQAir )