Hopes of an electric train line being built in Chiang Mai have been revived in the wake of several let-downs that have left many city residents disillusioned.
The move came after an announcement by the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) earlier this month stating that the bidding process for a tram network in the province could finally commence in 2020.
This is not the first time people in Chiang Mai have heard news about the project being kickstarted. The first was in 1993, when the idea of building mass transit systems in key cities like Bangkok and Chiang Rai was floated. The one in the capital got a green light.
The second occurred a decade ago when Chiang Mai University was commissioned to study the feasibility of a light rail system. The project never took off.
The military government dusted off the project in 2016 and pledged to launch the bidding process last year before delays set in.
Recently the MRTA received blueprints for tramways from the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) and was ordered by the government to get the project up and running as soon as possible. The cabinet this month set a deadline of 2019 for bidding to begin.
The latest blueprints show the mass transit network will comprise three routes. The design is consistent with past proposals that showed three routes were most favoured by the public.
Meanwhile, public hearings on the matter have taken place in Chiang Mai for years. The public agreed on going with three routes and debate focused on whether the system should be above ground, underground or a combination of the two. It was decided recently that integrating the two would work best.
The 35km project will cost 86 billion baht and take six years to build. Each route is due to be constructed separately so as not to worsen traffic congestion in the city, with three years allocated per line.
"There are most probably financial reasons why they can't be done simultaneously due to the size of the investment required from private firms," said Boonlert Buranupakorn, president of the Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO).
"Despite that, this remains the most promising effort from the government that I've seen in terms of setting up electric train lines here."
Earlier this month, MRTA authorities met with PAO officials and representatives of private firms to discuss how the project should proceed.
Sarot T Suwan, assistant to the MRTA governor, said consulting firms would be hired to assess the environmental impact year's end. From early next year, the consultancy firm will conduct field studies and compare them with the project blueprints to assess details of the design.
Mr Sarot said bidding will commence in the middle of 2020, with the first route to break ground in 2021.
They have been colour-coded as the Red, Blue and Green routes.
The former will stretch 12km on a north-south axis and serve the western side of the city. The 11km-long Blue route will run from Chiang Mai Zoo in the west of the municipality to Don Chan district in the South. And the 12km Green Line, which starts in the city's northeast, will run south to Chiang Mai Airport.
Mr Boonlert said the province's PAO would operate the whole network, adding a public-private company would be formed to oversee the operations of all routes as the project is likely to incur losses for a decade and will require strong financial backing.
bumper to bumper: Chiang Mai is beset by congested roads. "Rod Daeng", below, have been a staple for decades but lack fixed routes and fixed prices.
"Chiang Mai locals are in urgent need of an electric train line network as road traffic is increasing rapidly, which can clearly be seen during rush hours. People are buying more cars," Mr Boonlert said. "The population is also expanding, with the province becoming a favoured residential spot for Thais from other provinces as well as some Chinese nationals."
Mr Boonlert said it was unlikely everything would be settled in time for the bidding to commence in three years' time. Public hearings regarding the exact locations of stations could take years to conclude, he added.
"Authorities will need time to iron out all the details as there are several tourist attractions in Chiang Mai known for their aesthetic value," he said. "This project could affect the overall look of these sites."
"Several structures in the province have also become old and worn out, and locals may fear their houses might be affected by the tram network," he added.
Many residents are expecting more delays.
"This project is the ultimate in on-again, off again," said Rungsrit Kanjanavanit, a local cardiologist and conservationist. "I'll believe it when I see it."
"The question right now is how do we cope with our immediate traffic problems which are only going to worsen as more people buy cars," he said.
"Rod Daeng" have been a staple for decades. However they lack fixed routes and fixed prices.
"This city is in dire need of a mass transit system. I'm prepared for more delays but I hope they eventually get it done. Regardless, the city can't depend on mass transit alone. The authorities need to combine that with a more holistic approach, such as building pedestrian walkways that are pleasant to walk," he added.
"We also need well-developed bicycle lanes and parking lots at mass transit stations."
Currently, residents and visitors rely on "Rod Daeng" or converted pickups, which have been a staple for decades. However they lack fixed routes and fixed prices, and negotiations on these can sometimes result in ugly disputes.
Mr Boonlert said these also need to be adapted and could serve as feeder systems once the new system is finally complete and as more people move to suburban areas. Meanwhile, the city welcomed in March a new "Chiang Mai Smart Bus" service operated by Regional Transit Corporation Company.
The company invested 50 million baht in its first batch of 10 air-conditioned buses. Each has 31 seats and comes equipped with free Wi-Fi, GPS and a smart-card reader for ease of payment. Passengers are charged a flat rate of 20 baht per ride.
When the system is fully launched these buses will pass by Chiang Mai Airport, the old town and Nimman Haemin Road for a total of 52 stops along the 17km route. The service will be available from 6am to midnight daily.
The company also plans to launch a related smartphone app so users can track the buses to better gauge arrival times, officials said.
