Pheu Thai candidate for governor Pongsapat Pongcharoen has promised to help cut the time Bangkokians spend commuting to and from work during rush hours by 20-30%.
The Pheu Thai Party candidate, emphasising his party was the government party, announced two strategies to reach the target -- the extension of the transportation network to encourage more people to use public transport, and to increase the efficiency of traffic flow management.
Under his care, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) would create connectivity between the skytrain (BTS) and the underground train by building monorail, or light rail, services. He would support scrapping the construction of the planned expressway from Ngam Wong Wan to Prasertmanoonkit Road and replace it with a light railway.
He woud extend the skytrain track from Bearing Station to Samut Prakan for another 11km, and extend the not-yet-constructed skytrain route from Saphan Mai to Lam Luk Ka by 12km. The BMA already has a plan to extend the skytrain from Mor Chit to Saphan Mai.
Pol Gen Pongsapat also envisioned building a light rail centre in Phahon Yothin connecting the 7km between Bang Sue and the Energy Complex on Vibhavadi Road, and wants a connection between Vatcharapol and Rama 9, which are about 15.5km apart.
Another proposal is to build a 7 km tram route on Rattanakosin Island to feed commuters to three mass transit routes, the Orange, Purple and Blue lines.
He also proposes the continuation of free bus services and installation of digital systems to inform bus passengers about travel times.
Pol Gen Pongsapat promised to improve boat services in canals to link them with the mass transit system in the city.
He said a Bangkok traffic centre would be establish to link signals from all CCTV cameras across the city. Traffic would be managed from there through an "intelligent traffic system' controlling traffic lights to speed up traffic flow.
He proposed building four more tunnels along Ratchadapisek Road to ease traffic congestion at intersections along the 45km ring road. New tunnels would be planned at Ratchayothin, Rama 9, Asok-Phetchaburi and Asok.
There are 25 candidates competing for the job of Bangkok governor, with the election set for March 3.