Thailand considers ‘congestion fee’ on private vehicles in Bangkok to fund public trains

Thailand’s Ministry of Transport plans to study the implementation of a “congestion fee” in Bangkok to reduce road traffic and support affordable electric train fares.

Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced Tuesday that the ministry will conduct a six to twelve-month study to assess the feasibility of charging motorists for using heavily trafficked roads in the city, according to The Nation.

The proposed fee would apply to vehicles on congested roads running parallel to train routes, estimated between 40 to 50 baht (US$1.19-1.48) per vehicle.

The revenue would be directed to a 200-billion-baht fund aimed at acquiring the operating rights of rail routes currently managed by private companies.

This move would allow the state to offer more affordable train fares.
Minister Suriya stated that the congestion fee is part of the government’s plan to cap electric train fares at 20 baht ($0.59) per trip on all lines, as reported by Bangkok Post.

He believes that lowering fares to a flat rate of 20 baht would encourage more people to use the electric train instead of driving, adding that the ministry has examined similar congestion fees in other countries and decided to consider this measure in Bangkok.

According to the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, Bangkok had 10.67 million registered vehicles compared to 10.53 million people as of 2022.

Personal vehicles account for more than two-thirds (68.7%) of overall travel in Bangkok, followed by public transport (20.2%), walking (5%), taxis (4.2%) and buses (1.9%).

Source: Vnexpress