Strategic urban transport policy directions for Bangkok

The objective of the review is to highlight the key directions for economic and sustainable transport improvement in Bangkok. The report claims that despite considerable advances, the following challenges remain and lie mainly within Government's area of influence: 1) Public transport quality in Bangkok is falling behind its peer cities in the region; 2) Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) infrastructure continues to be developed as stand-alone projects rather than as part of an integrated public transport system; 3) Poor linkages within the transport system and between transport and activity centers and residential areas reduces mobility and quality of life; 4) Bangkokians, both rich and poor, spend considerable time and expenditure traveling within Bangkok, thus reducing quality of life and threatening future labor market and freight transport efficiency; 5) Road networks rely too much on primary roads with excessive traffic congestion; and 6) Logistic services are neglected, and there is little understanding of the transport component of logistics so vital to supporting efficient economic activity. The primary objective of the study, therefore, is to provide strategic advice to government policy makers on existing problems that could undermine Bangkok's emerging global role. Particular emphasis is given to the performance of planned MRT investment because of its magnitude, but more generally the breadth, depth and causes of urban transport problems in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region are considered and potential options and a practical sequence of actions - a strategic action plan - to address these problems is outlined.