The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning has revealed a plan to turn space adjacent to 11 electric rail stations into car parks for commuters, in a bid to encourage motorists to use mass transit instead.
These 11 potential park-and-ride spots would have the total capacity to accommodate up to 10,650 cars, said Sarawut Songsiwilai, the director of the office.
The stations are Bang Pakok and Rat Burana stations on the southern extension of the Purple Line; Rangsit, Kanchanaphisek, Taling Chan, Lat Krabang, Ban Thap Chang, Watcharaphon and Khaerai stations on the Red Line; Talat Phu station of the Green Line, and Bang Wa station of the Blue Line.
The seven existing park-and-ride locations near Bangkok mass-transit stations can only handle up to 6,420 cars while the other six spots that are currently under construction will create space for 9,955 cars.
The six projects under way will service the northern Green Line extension, the Orange Line, the Yellow Line and extended routes of the Blue Line, he said.
Mr Sarawut said the office is mulling different methods of investment.
There are three options; government investment, a second concession to a private operator or a public-private partnership investment.
Apart from constructing car parks, the office plans to negotiate with department stores near the public transport network to offer parking spaces for passengers in a joint marketing campaign, he said.
Currently, Paseo Town in the Ramkhamhaeng area is the only department store to have joined hands with the office to offer parking space, he said.
