Stop us if you’ve heard this one before.
Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning chief Chula Sukmanop on Wednesday revealed his novel and “creative” solution to Bangkok’s rush hour traffic jams – change the operating hours of offices and establishments.
Mr. Chula said his group will petition the Office of the Commission for the Management of Land Traffic, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung to change the hours of operation as well as work hours within the capitol this coming week.
The traffic expert said the move will call for the cooperation of schools and private establishments. He noted that the scheme could be tried initially on businesses and schools located at Kiak Kai and Samsen roads. Mr Chula noted though, that this plan had already been tried by some state agencies in the past; and the results were far from ideal.
The Bangkok Post reported that traffic in major thoroughfares in the city moves at a snail-paced 18 to 19 kph in the morning and 24 to 23kph in the evening. Traffic is especially slow because of countless bottleneck areas, including Phahonyothin, Phetchaburi and Phetkasem roads.
Mr Chula disclosed that more than 1,200 vehicles are being registered daily in Bangkok city alone. The large volume of vehicles during rush hour all contribute to bumper-to-bumper traffic situations.
In addition to changing the work hours of people in Bangkok, Mr Chula said they will also as traffic police to relocate certain U-turns and bus stops. This, he said, will help traffic flow smoother and faster.
