Govt to cut express way fee

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra plans to propose lowering the fee for using the express way in Bangkok’s northern outskirts to help reduce traffic congestion on one of the capital’s main road links to the city’s downtown areas at next week’s cabinet meeting.

The fee for the Don Muang toll way should be halved to 20 baht to attract more motorists to use it and help reduce traffic on the main road under the express way, Mr. Thaksin said during his helicopter trip on Wednesday to survey traffic conditions in the capital city.

The government holds a 40% stake in the private-run Don Muang toll way, which links the northern outskirts of Bangkok to the downtown area.

The express way was designed to cater for up to 180,000 cars a day, but only 110,000 cars use it everyday as many motorists think the cost is too high.

Many motorists, who want to drive from Bangkok’s northern outskirts downtown, use the Vibhavadee-Rangsit, causing continual congestion on the street.

The prime minister also officially opened new parking spaces at two “park and drive” sites adjacent to Bangkok's mass transit systems -- the Sky Train and the Underground -- on Wednesday.

Promoting greater use of the city’s public transport is a central part of the government’s scheme to reduce the country’s consumption of oil in the face of increasing world oil prices.

"Currently, Thailand spends up to Bt900 billion annually on energy costs, 40% of which is spent in Bangkok. So, if we can save energy through the use of public transport systems, it will immensely benefit the nation and will improve the quality of life of all Thais", said the prime minister.

--TNA 2004-12-16

Another great incentive for prospective Investors in Thailands' infrastructure.

Enter into an agreement to build something and allow the Thai Government a minority interest, then watch as they unilaterally destroy the basis of your Return on Investment calculations by imposing fee reductions.

Without doubt within a few years the other shareholders will be approached by a benevolent Thai Government with an offer to buy them out of their (now) unprofitalbe venture at a discount.

The BTS System is still being eyed by a corrupt and incompetent BMA too.

Patrick

Another great incentive for prospective Investors in Thailands' infrastructure.

Enter into an agreement to build something and allow the Thai Government a minority interest, then watch as they unilaterally destroy the basis of your Return on Investment calculations by imposing fee reductions.

The circle of international companies that build these huge infrastructure projects is not an exceedingly large one. I would imagine that within this circle, the Thai government has by now developed a dreadful reputation for people to do business with. Hopewell project anybody...?