Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has expressed his support for the Transport Ministry’s proposal to introduce a congestion fee for vehicles entering the central streets of Bangkok. The revenue generated from this charge is intended to fund a flat fare of 20 baht for all electric train lines.
Mr. Chadchart noted that congestion charges are not a novel idea, as cities such as London and Singapore have successfully implemented similar systems. The objective is to promote greater use of public transportation and reduce reliance on private vehicles in densely populated areas.
However, he stressed that for this system to function effectively in Bangkok, there must first be a reliable and accessible public transport network. This entails not only enhancing electric train services but also expanding bus routes and improving pedestrian infrastructure to ensure convenient and safe mobility.
The proposed congestion charge would specifically target vehicles entering Bangkok’s central business district (CBD), with potential coverage of a broader zone to prevent drivers from simply avoiding the charge by taking nearby streets.
“There must be ample public transport options available before imposing fees on drivers; otherwise, low-income residents may bear the brunt of this policy,” the governor cautioned.
He further mentioned that careful planning is essential to avoid disproportionately affecting families, especially those who regularly drive children to school. While he acknowledged the rationale behind the proposal, Mr. Chadchart emphasized the importance of proper implementation, including the integration of traffic management technology for congestion charges.
Samart Ratchapolsitte, a former deputy governor of Bangkok, commented on Facebook that, while the concept has been discussed for years, it hasn’t materialized due to concerns about the potential negative effects on commuters. He emphasized that successful implementation would require detailed planning to address issues such as parking availability and fee exemptions; otherwise, the congestion fee initiative could fail.
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit indicated that the initiative would be modeled on the successful systems of other countries. He also proposed that the government consider repurchasing the concessions given to companies operating electric train lines in Bangkok to maintain low fares and make electric train commuting more affordable.
