BANGKOK, Thailand – Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, along with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) leadership, inspected the progress of enhancing public transport connectivity across the city on September 20. This initiative is part of the “Bangkok Car Free 2024” event, under the theme Connecting For Life, which runs from September 20-22. The goal is to increase transportation options for residents and address issues related to first and last mile connectivity.
Governor Chadchart emphasized the importance of setting an example, urging BMA officials to use public transport for commuting. He noted that this practice benefits the environment by reducing the use of personal cars and helps identify issues faced by the public when using public transport. “We want to improve things like sidewalks and ramps, which are under BMA’s responsibility. We aim to make this a regular practice, not just a once-a-year event, but something we do every month, week, or even daily,” Chadchart said.
He added, “A developed city is not one where the poor own cars, but one where everyone uses public transport.”
Key Issues Highlighted
During the inspection, Governor Chadchart outlined some of the challenges observed:
- Dead-end Sois (alleys): Over 60% of Bangkok’s alleys are dead ends, making access difficult for residents living in deep sois. Solutions like adding feeder services for internal areas may be required.
- Multiple transfers: While multiple transfers to reach a destination are common globally, the lack of fare integration between different modes of transport results in high daily and monthly travel costs for users. Public transport costs should not exceed 10% of a user’s income. If the government can help reduce these costs, more people will likely opt for public transport.
- Transfer points: Improvements are needed at key junctions, such as enhancing sidewalks and ramps. BMA officials took note of these issues and plan to address them.
Bangkok Car Free 2024 Continues on Banthat Thong Road (September 21-22)
The second event of the Bangkok Car Free 2024 campaign will take place over the weekend on September 21-22, in the Banthat Thong creative district. A pedestrian street will be introduced from Soi Chula 12 to Soi 20 between 4 PM and midnight, transforming the area into a shared space for public activities.
The event is supported by Pathumwan District Office, Chulalongkorn University’s Property Management Office, and the local community. Traffic will not be completely closed but limited to one lane for one-way traffic from Chulalongkorn University’s Centenary Park to Stadium One. Vehicles heading the other way can use Chula Soi 5.
Public feedback will be gathered during the event, and if well-received, it could lead to more long-term, regular car-free initiatives.
