Getting Around

Reshared post from +Phillip Tyson

Getting Around
In the year to 2013, the number of cars registered in the city of Bangkok reached a staggering 7.5 million, nearly enough for one per person living there. This is a rise of 10% year on year, and has contributed significantly to the marked increase in traffic congestion. A spokesperson for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration – the government body responsible for overseeing traffic management as well as road construction and maintenance – said that in the past year, average traffic speed in some CBD areas has slowed to an almost stationary 9km/h. The crawling pace is exacerbated in poor weather, with rainy season speeds having been calculated at barely 2km/h.

While investment in public transport infrastructure is at an all-time high in the city, some areas are still years away from having ready access to mass transit. The problem is only worsened by recent government policy that has seen a tax rebate of 100,000 baht (equivalent to about $3,500AUD) to first-time car buyers. As more people take up costly car ownership, there is less incentive for them to opt for public transport if or when it becomes available later on.

There is talk of some possible interim measures to curb car usage across the city. Two such proposals are increasing fuel prices to enable the slashing of SkyTrain and subway fares to 20 baht per trip, and only allowing people with certain numbers and letters on their number plate to drive on certain days. However, both of these proposals would still need government approval, and without significant public support, neither are likely to gain enough traction to be implemented. Patience, it would seem, will continue to be a requirement for motorists for many years to come.

This is a photo taken at the Mo Chit terminus of the BTS SkyTrain system looking north over Phahonyothin Road. I love this shot because it captures so many varied modes of transport used throughout the city: SkyTrain, local bus, inter-city bus, mini-bus, taxi, motorbike taxi, mini van and tuk tuk. It is a single hand-held image taken earlier this year, and I have run it through Topaz Adjust, Clarity and DeNoise to enhance its features.

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Getting Around