The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) has launched a campaign to invite the private sector and local administrative bodies to invest in a mass-transit project in Phuket worth almost 35 billion baht.
The focus is a 58.5-kilometre light rail (tram) worth 34.82 billion baht, which would run from Tha Noon in Phangnga province to Chalong intersection in the southern part of the resort island.
It is one of several mass-transit projects the MRTA is looking to pursue as it caters to more commuters and tourists in Phuket.
MRTA deputy governor Theeraphan Tachasirinugune said the feedback and suggestions gleaned from the campaign would be used to design a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
The Phuket tram project is being divided into two phases: a 41.7km section from Phuket airport to Chalong intersection and a 16.8km stretch from Tha Noon to Muang Mai. The MRTA plans to build the first phase, which will have 21 stations.
It said tram fares would be calculated based on the distance travelled, but the maximum fares would likely be 100-137 baht. The economic return for the scheme is 12.51%.
The next market sounding has been scheduled for this Friday in Bangkok.
The MRTA expects to seek cabinet approval for the project in the middle of this year, with construction likely to begin in 2020. It should be operational in 2023.
Phuket governor Pakkapong Tawipat said the province has experienced rapid growth and worsening traffic, adding that an efficient mass transit system was urgently needed to accommodate tourists.
He said the resort island welcomes over 10 million visitors a year and this is expected to rise annually for the foreseeable future.
The MRTA is also eyeing a three-route tram project in Chiang Mai. The Red Line would have 12 stations over 12.45km, worth 28.72 billion baht; the 10.47km Blue Line would be worth 30.39 billion baht; and the 11.92km Green Line would have 10 stations worth 36.19 billion baht.