Thai Ministry of Transport studying ways to lower expressway fees
The Ministry of Transport is studying ways to lower expressway fees, with Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit stating that the study is expected to be completed in 2 months.
One proposed method is to extend the concession periods. Currently, there are seven expressways, with three under concessions and four under the jurisdiction of the Expressway Authority of Thailand.
Using some of the expressways in connection could result in a final toll of nearly 150 baht, a figure the minister deems excessively high.
He also highlighted that certain short stretches are charging exorbitant fees.
Additionally, progress is being made on the 20-flat-fare policy for electric trains.
The draft bill for a single ticket is 90% completed and will soon be presented to the Cabinet.
Regarding the recurring accidents involving monorails such as the Yellow and Pink lines, where equipment and construction material frequently break apart and fall from the rails, regulations are being amended.
These amendments will empower related authorities to penalize contractors and operators with higher fines and potentially cancel concessions.
Source: Thai Enquirer on X
