The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has agreed to allow a passenger van hub to be established at Makkasan Airport Rail Link station, after the military promised the move would be a temporary measure.
The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) had asked the SRT to relinquish parts of the station to house mini-vans due to be relocated from roads around Victory Monument as part of efforts to solve traffic congestion.
SRT governor Prapas Chongsanguan initially opposed the idea, warning the move would affect the SRT’s plan to lease parts of the station to the Finance Ministry in a trade-off to pay debts to the agency.
But the NCPO reassured Mr Prapas that the hub would not be permanent, prompting him to give the proposals the green light.
From July 1, all passenger vans will park at Makkasan Airport Rail Link station and in an area under the expressway near the Asok toll booth, Col Chaloemphon Sisawat, deputy chief of the 2nd Cavalry Division said.
Passengers will still be required to wait at Victory Monument, where the vehicles will be sent once seats for each van journey are sold out.
There are currently six parking lots for mini-vans around Victory Monument roundabout, located near Fashion Mall, Pong Lee restaurant, Rajavithi Hospital, Phahon Yothin Road and two spots under expressways heading toward Chaeng Watthana Road and Din Daeng.
Vans parked near the Pong Lee restaurant will be the first to move out, Col Chaloemphon said.
An SRT source said the Makkasan Airport Rail Link station is expected to be used as a temporary van parking area until a new government is installed.
The junta has meanwhile asked the Transport Co Ltd, which oversees Mor Chit bus terminal, to waive fees charged to taxi drivers who want to pick up passengers.
The measure aims to relieve the financial problems of drivers, caused by high living costs and reduced revenue during months of protests prior to the coup, said 11th Military Circle commander Maj Gen Nirandon Samutsakhon.
The 10-baht fee exemption started last week, Transport Co president Wutthichat Kalayanamit said.
The moves to improve mini-van services and support taxi drivers are part of the NCPO's drive to solve chronic problems with popular modes of transport, including motorcycle taxis.
The military also intends to crack down on mafia-style gangs who extort fees from taxi drivers.
Maj Gen Nirandon said he had talked with Mr Wutthichat who said there are no reports of such gangs exploiting taxi drivers at Mor Chit bus terminal.
He added that soldiers, police and transport officials have set up checkpoints near Suvarnabhumi airport, Victory Monument and Don Mueang airport to monitor taxi drivers.
The checks are intended to stop drivers from overcharging and ensure passengers are taken directly to their destinations.