The Bangkok Transit System Company has signed a contract with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration worth THB190 billion to operate the BTS Skytrain for the next 30 years, in a deal that has been criticized as unfair by the Mass Rapid Transit Authority.
The BMA is expected to make THB110 billion from the contract, Bangkok Deputy Governor Teerachon Manomaiphibul claims according to the Bangkok Post.
Prapas Chongsanguan, a former governor of the MRTA believes the deal struck by BTSC is unfair and the contract should have been opened up to other companies. He also questioned the timing of the deal with the current Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra’s time in office coming to a close.
The contract is larger than the THB90 billion deal signed by Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) who operate Purple Line.
BMA will also gain about THB100 billion from commercial development around the Skytrain, deputy governor Teerachon said. Governor Sukhumbhand’s term ends in less than a year.
Keeree Kanjanapas, founder and chairman of the BTSC, admitted yesterday the company’s financial health has been significantly boosted by the contract. The long term contract is intended to act as an incentive for BTSC to invest and improve services on a public transport system that has close to 500,000 passengers a day.
Whatever all this government contract wrangling means, we hope they put a few more trains on the track… because the BTS is CROWDED these days.
