Bangkok, November 13 (IANS). Thailand’s transport ministry is exploring the possibility of introducing a ‘congestion charge’ to ease chronic traffic problems in the capital Bangkok, improve air quality and boost the use of public transport.
Inspired by successful models abroad, a comprehensive study on congestion charge examined various factors including the choice of areas to impose the charge, the charge rate, payment methods and potential economic, social and environmental impacts, the ministry said in a statement on Tuesday. Will be done.
Ministry spokesperson Krichnont Iyapunya said the revenue from congestion charges would be used to subsidize flat-rate fares for all metro lines, reduce the cost of living for citizens, and reduce air pollution, particularly PM 2.5 fine particles. Will be done to deal with.
According to the study, cities such as London, Singapore, Stockholm and Milan have successfully implemented congestion charging schemes, resulting in a significant reduction in traffic and an increase in public transport ridership.
Despite initial public resistance, these cities saw increasing acceptance of the policy over time, Xinhua news agency reported.
It is expected that the ministry will finalize its recommendations regarding congestion charge by the end of 2025.
Rapid growth, poor urban planning and inadequate infrastructure have led to many problems in Bangkok. Despite the extensive expressway network, traffic congestion remains persistent due to inadequate road network and increasing number of private vehicles. Severe air pollution has been a problem for the city since the 1990s.
–IANS
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