Bangkok Governor Supports Congestion Charge to Curb Traffic

[webfact]

Picture courtesy: Wikipedia

 

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has thrown his support behind the Transport Ministry's proposal to introduce a congestion charge for vehicles entering the city's most densely populated areas.

 

This charge is intended to ease traffic and encourage a shift towards public transportation by helping fund a new policy offering a flat 20-baht fare on all electric train lines. The system is inspired by similar successful models in cities such as London and Singapore, where congestion charges have proven effective in reducing traffic while promoting sustainable transport alternatives.

 

Mr. Chadchart stressed that for the plan to be truly effective, Bangkok’s public transport system must first undergo significant improvements. He pointed out that while the electric train network is vital, it must be part of a broader strategy.

 

This includes expanding bus routes, enhancing pedestrian pathways, and improving overall accessibility to ensure the city's residents have viable, affordable, and safe travel options. His goal is to make public transport not just an alternative but the preferred option for daily commuters.

 

The congestion charge, as outlined, would apply to vehicles entering Bangkok's central business district (CBD). Unlike other models that focus on specific streets or zones, this proposal aims for a more extensive coverage area to prevent drivers from avoiding the charge by taking alternative routes.

Mr. Chadchart underscored the importance of a well-thought-out approach, one that carefully considers its impact on different social groups. He expressed concerns about low-income residents and families who rely on private vehicles, particularly parents who drive their children to school regularly. Measures would need to be put in place to avoid disproportionately affecting these groups.

 

The governor reiterated that the charge should not be implemented until the city has an adequate public transport infrastructure. He also believes that technology will play a key role in managing traffic congestion and ensuring the policy is effective. Advanced traffic management systems, such as real-time monitoring and dynamic pricing, could be used to maximise the benefits of the congestion charge while minimising its inconvenience.

 

The revenues generated from the congestion charge are expected to help cover the costs of the 20-baht flat fare policy, an initiative that seeks to make public transport more affordable for everyone. This fare structure, once implemented, is expected to greatly increase the use of electric trains, which could further alleviate the city’s notorious traffic problems.

 

Picture courtesy: Wikipedia

 

However, not everyone is convinced the plan will work without challenges. Former Deputy Bangkok Governor Samart Ratchapolsitte noted that the concept of a congestion charge has been floated for many years but has never been enacted. He attributed this to concerns about its potential negative effects on commuters, especially those without access to reliable public transportation options.

 

Mr. Samart emphasised that meticulous planning will be essential to overcome these barriers. He pointed to issues such as parking availability, fee exemptions for certain groups, and ensuring that the public transport network can handle an influx of new users.

 

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit added further details on the broader vision for public transport in Bangkok. He suggested that the congestion charge could be part of a larger overhaul that includes renegotiating or even buying back concessions from private companies operating the electric train lines.

 

By taking back control of these concessions, the government could potentially lower fares and ensure more affordable and equitable access to public transport for Bangkok’s residents. 

 

Mr. Suriya also emphasised the importance of learning from other countries that have implemented similar systems. The congestion charge in London, for example, has successfully reduced car usage in the city centre while raising significant revenue for public transportation projects.

 

Similarly, Singapore's Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system has been an effective tool in managing traffic in its busiest areas. Bangkok's plan would draw from these international examples, tailoring the system to suit the city's unique challenges and needs.

 

As Bangkok continues to grow, both in terms of population and vehicle numbers, the urgency to address traffic congestion becomes more pressing. This initiative represents a significant step towards making Bangkok a more liveable, sustainable city, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2024-10-21

 

 

[BritScot]

Must have seen the money grab the Mayor of London is doing and how much money he is pulling in. Also how its spread to other cities in the UK.  Maybe Thailand will get its own "Blade Runners "?

[ChrisY1]

And just how do they intend to implement such a scheme in Bangkok.

Will all vehicles have a reader that checks into a monitor...as in Singapore?  Will they follow the Brits and install ULEZ cameras:))?

Then of course, will anyone pay the fines......and we all know that answer.

 

[Tropicalevo]

In your dreams Bangkok.

There needs to be a robust and reliable public transport system in place first.

One that ALL people have access to. Not just the semi rich.

Thailand is broke and cannot afford to build one.

 

[KhunLA]

That might work, IF, the public trans lines weren't packed already.  Apparently these people don't use public trans, or they'd realize there's no more room for more people.

 

What they should have done was stopped building 20+ yrs ago.  

[MikeandDow]

Never happen !!!

[peterpaintpot]

As a South Londoner who has lived here in Saraburi Province for 18 years I predict that Bangkok will be under water before they can implement this plan.

 

Recently I have realised that Saraburi Town is only a little higher than Bangkok over sea level. The land doesn't rise dramatically till on Highway 2 you are passing the two cement works. Flooding of Bangkok will be extensive.   

[Gottfrid]

3 hours ago, ChrisY1 said:

And just how do they intend to implement such a scheme in Bangkok.

Will all vehicles have a reader that checks into a monitor...as in Singapore?  Will they follow the Brits and install ULEZ cameras:))?

Then of course, will anyone pay the fines......and we all know that answer.

 

NO! This will be manual work. Now this opened the opportunity for yet another 300 000 traffic police positions. Means more rev. to the police position buying system as well. Hurray! 😉

[RandolphGB]

The difference is that London and Singapore have people with an IQ above 60 managing the roads.

 

Thailand is a country that can't even stop motorcycles from riding wherever they want to or keep food stall away from blocking pavements.

 

They will never be able to introduce the level of technology needed to enforce a congestion charge. 

 

[NemoH]

It will never be traffic free or less traffic. It is just a money grab.. just look at Singapore - there are now so many entries into the cities, suburb, highways .. and yet there are jams bumper to bumper traffic every day at peak hour .. it started on the premise to free the city of traffic but now it’s in everywhere .. then look at London - need I say more .. it will just increase government coffers .. 

sadly .. it’s like believing that by paying carbon tax and expect no more monsoons, hurricanes n typhoons next year 🤣🤣🤣

[khunpin]

But the all the so-called "HiSo" people won't buy that because they can't show off their new toys on wheels. 

[black tabby12345]

It was Thaksin's party policy to encourage more households to buy cars in early 2000s.

Because of that stupidity, BKK's traffic jamming reverted to its worst despite expanding BTS and RTA  networks.

[digger70]

1 hour ago, Gottfrid said:

NO! This will be manual work. Now this opened the opportunity for yet another 300 000 traffic police positions. Means more rev. to the police position buying system as well. Hurray! 😉

New corruption Scam for the money collectors.  😜

[hotchilli]

9 hours ago, webfact said:

Mr. Chadchart stressed that for the plan to be truly effective, Bangkok’s public transport system must first undergo significant improvements.

If that was done in the first place maybe there wouldn't be such a traffic issue.

[Sydebolle]

Have a look at Jakarta or Singapore; in place for decades ........... 

[Purdey]

If the 20 baht flat fare is successful, and people leave their cars at home, how will the governor make cash to pay for the flat fare in the future?

 

Bangkok GDP 252.128 (2022) Billion USD Pop. 19,900,000 (2022)

London GDP 692.765 (2022) Billion USD Pop. 8,866,198 (2022)

Singapore GDP 525.228 (2024) Billion USD Pop. 5,938,000 (2024)

(all on Wikipedia)

Perhaps it will anger people who struggle to get to work. Certainly, mass transit doesn't go everywhere.

[josephbloggs]

4 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

In your dreams Bangkok.

There needs to be a robust and reliable public transport system in place first.

One that ALL people have access to. Not just the semi rich.

Thailand is broke and cannot afford to build one.

 

Obviously another AN headline reader - too much trouble to read the article otherwise you would have read that this scheme would fund a flat 20 baht fare across ALL mass transit lines.

Is it only semi rich people who can afford a 20 baht train journey?

[josephbloggs]

1 hour ago, RandolphGB said:

They will never be able to introduce the level of technology needed to enforce a congestion charge. 

 

Based on what? They have already implemented similar technology on  route 9 with M Flow which is more advanced than Singapore's ERP system as that requires an RFID reader in your car. M Flow requires nothing in your car but uses Automatic Licenses Plate Recognition coupled with AI and cross referencing with pictures of your car. Seamless and smart - works perfectly. It is supposed to be rolled out across all expressway networks at some point but not sure when.

Pretty sure this is the exact same technology that a congestion charge system would use.

So why can't Thailand introduce the technology? It already has it. Or you just fancied a bash...got it.

[josephbloggs]

4 hours ago, KhunLA said:

That might work, IF, the public trans lines weren't packed already.  Apparently these people don't use public trans, or they'd realize there's no more room for more people.

If I'm not mistaken you live in PKK and rarely venture to Bangkok and when you do you drive, so don't think you are often on trains.

The trains can be busy at rush hours (same as in any other country in the entire world) but outside of those limited times there is plenty of room. Even at peak rush hour on the BTS I have let one train pass but the next one is immediately behind it waiting and is half empty.

[RayWright]

I thought  Bangkok was sinking and the Local / National government was looking to relocate. Would make more sense to start with a fully integrated traffic / Public Transport system than cajole something out of today's infrastructure mess.

[KhunLA]

21 minutes ago, josephbloggs said:

If I'm not mistaken you live in PKK and rarely venture to Bangkok and when you do you drive, so don't think you are often on trains.

And yet ...

 

 

One time leaving T21 to hop BTS to Nana station, we had a hard just getting to the other side of the road, via exit to platform to stairs.   So we could walk it.

 

You couldn't even past the turnstiles, as they were way backed up.  Guessing some of those folks had to wait for about the 5th train to come by.   What a cluster F

[KhunLA]

11 minutes ago, RayWright said:

I thought  Bangkok was sinking and the Local / National government was looking to relocate. Would make more sense to start with a fully integrated traffic / Public Transport system than cajole something out of today's infrastructure mess.

They actually have a decent integrated system, it's just obsolete, and been that way for at least 5 yrs.   For that reason, we don't go near it during rush.

 

Always make sure we stay within walking distance to food for early evening, late night time munch.  Ok to knock around the city playing tourist 0900-1500 hrs, but during rush hour, or weekends when everyone is out & about ... Hell No

 

Pool time or hang out with daughter, locally.

[Zack61]

The train schedule needs to see a substantial increase in services if they are serious. It’s like trying to squeeze into a can of sardines during peak hour now. What’s it going to be like when you take all the cars off the roads and force them into the trains and buses. 

[Sorted2024]

Money grab !!

No need to charge a thing change by all means but its funny how for a fee you can do exactly the same as before 

[DD86]

3 hours ago, Purdey said:

If the 20 baht flat fare is successful, and people leave their cars at home, how will the governor make cash to pay for the flat fare in the future?

 

Bangkok GDP 252.128 (2022) Billion USD Pop. 19,900,000 (2022)

London GDP 692.765 (2022) Billion USD Pop. 8,866,198 (2022)

Singapore GDP 525.228 (2024) Billion USD Pop. 5,938,000 (2024)

(all on Wikipedia)

Perhaps it will anger people who struggle to get to work. Certainly, mass transit doesn't go everywhere.

Comparing standards of living, Bangkok is doing just great. 

[Surasak]

Park and Ride could work?? But, where to install the parking areas? Bangkok is not just crowded with cars, other than the green parks, every other square meter is built on.

[Sig]

14 hours ago, webfact said:

Mr. Chadchart stressed that for the plan to be truly effective, Bangkok’s public transport system must first undergo significant improvements. He pointed out that while the electric train network is vital, it must be part of a broader strategy.

Yeah, a MUCH broader strategy, like fix the roads!!! Meter the lights, etc... Making a congestion fee without making the roads more properly usable just creates a non-incentive to fix/improve anything and just let the traffic get congested to collect more fees. What a scam.

[RayWright]

4 hours ago, KhunLA said:

They actually have a decent integrated system, it's just obsolete, and been that way for at least 5 yrs.   For that reason, we don't go near it during rush...

I'm obviously not asking the right questions, as the few times I've travelled from Phrom Phong (Green) to Phra Ram 9 (Blue) I've been made to buy 2 different tickets/tokens at 2 different Ticket Offices to make the journey, same on the way back. Plus there's an open air walk along the street whilst making the connection (Asok / Sukhumvit). Once when I travelled to Icon Siam that was 2 changes and 3 different ticket/tokens, again repeated on the return leg. Hardly integrated. 

[KhunLA]

42 minutes ago, RayWright said:

I'm obviously not asking the right questions, as the few times I've travelled from Phrom Phong (Green) to Phra Ram 9 (Blue) I've been made to buy 2 different tickets/tokens at 2 different Ticket Offices to make the journey, same on the way back. Plus there's an open air walk along the street whilst making the connection (Asok / Sukhumvit). Once when I travelled to Icon Siam that was 2 changes and 3 different ticket/tokens, again repeated on the return leg. Hardly integrated. 

OK, got you ... and there's more than a few of those, some quite long strolls, and not exactly 'connected'.  We've ridden most rails end to end, just for the hell of it.  Actually makes for a good day out.  

 

Need to get a BTS & MRT card, if 60+, MRT has senior card/half price.  Card beats Q'ing up for tokens, especially when crowded.

 

Guess that's what happens when you try to build around a few million established people & structures.  

[josephbloggs]

1 hour ago, RayWright said:

I'm obviously not asking the right questions, as the few times I've travelled from Phrom Phong (Green) to Phra Ram 9 (Blue) I've been made to buy 2 different tickets/tokens at 2 different Ticket Offices to make the journey, same on the way back. Plus there's an open air walk along the street whilst making the connection (Asok / Sukhumvit). Once when I travelled to Icon Siam that was 2 changes and 3 different ticket/tokens, again repeated on the return leg. Hardly integrated. 

There is no open air walk at Asok/Sukhumvit - you are undercover/enclosed all the way. Unless you are coming out of the wrong exit there is no need to put your feet on the street anywhere.

As to the other posters' comments about long walks at connections, some are. Many are very close. But realistically I think they are generally as close as they can be and the walks are not that bad. ARL Hua Mark to yellow line is probably the longest I can think of and you DO have to go down to street level for that. Maybe Makkasan to Petchaburi is a bit longer but at least you're not on the street.

 

Some are literally right on top of each other. I always wondered why they couldn't go through to the blue line from the basement at Makkasan but I guess there is a reason (maybe the railway line or some other utilities that can't be moved?)

 

Some of the interchanges in London, Singapore, Shanghai and Tokyo are horrendously long, way longer than anything here.

The most valid criticism of "integration" here is the criminal lack of a common ticketing system, that really is a disgrace after all this time. Maybe if they do get round to implementing this flat 20 baht fare then that will finally be resolved.