Transport Ministry may delay Don Mueang toll hike

The Ministry of Transport is considering to postpone a planned toll rate increase on the Don Mueang Tollway and may even lower the current fees, according to Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit.

Initially, the toll rates were set to rise from 115 baht to 130 baht per trip this year. Suriya has tasked the Department of Highways, which granted the concession to operate the tollway, officially known as the Utraphimuk Expressway, with examining ways to reduce costs for motorists.

The 21-kilometre road stretches from Bangkok’s Din Daeng area to the National Memorial in Lam Luk Ka district of Pathum Thani. Don Mueang Tollway Plc holds the concession to operate the tollway until 2034, with provisions for toll reviews and adjustments every five years.

“We are looking at how we can make life easier for motorists by cutting their costs.”

The company announced on Thursday its intention to raise toll fees by 5 to 15 baht per section, with new rates effective from December 22 this year until December 21, 2029. The toll for four-wheeled vehicles would increase from 80 to 90 baht for the Din Daeng-Don Mueang section and from 35 to 40 baht for the Don Mueang-National Memorial section, bringing the total cost for the entire route to 130 baht, reported Bangkok Post.

The concession, which was first granted in 1989, allows for one more toll increase, covering the period from 2029 to 2034.

ORIGINAL STORY: Don Mueang tollway tolls to rise by up to 10 baht

Don Mueang Tollway, the operator of the elevated Uttraphimuk Tollway, announced a toll increase of 5 to 10 baht, bringing the maximum toll fee to 170 baht, effective December 22.

The announcement was made today by Don Mueang Tollway Public Company Limited, informing users about the upcoming change in toll rates based on the concession contract amendment agreement 3/2550 dated September 12, 2007.

The toll adjustment will be effective for the next five years, from December 22 this year to December 21, 2029. The toll rate for the Din Daeng to Don Mueang section will increase by 10 baht, averaging 2 baht per year, while the Don Mueang to Anusawari section will see an increase of 5 baht, averaging 1 baht per year, from the current rates.

The toll adjustment details are as follows. For the Din Daeng to Don Mueang section, the toll for four-wheel vehicles will rise from 80 baht to 90 baht, and for vehicles with more than four wheels, the toll will increase from 110 baht to 120 baht. For the Don Mueang to Anusawari section, the toll for four-wheel vehicles will go up from 35 baht to 40 baht, and for vehicles with more than four wheels, the toll will rise from 45 baht to 50 baht, said a Don Mueang Tollway Public Company Limited spokesperson.

“The toll increase is part of the contractual agreement to ensure the continued maintenance and development of the tollway infrastructure.”

This change reflects the adjustments stipulated in the concession contract amendment, which aims to maintain the financial viability of the tollway operations. The tollway company emphasised that the incremental increases are necessary to cover the rising costs of maintenance and improvements over the years.

During the announcement, the company underscored its commitment to providing efficient and safe transportation for all users. The tollway is a crucial route for commuters travelling between central Bangkok and the northern suburbs, and the adjustments aim to sustain the quality and reliability of this vital transport link.

“We understand that any increase in toll fees can impact commuters, but these adjustments are essential for the continued provision of high-quality services.”

The tollway is a key infrastructure that helps alleviate traffic congestion in Bangkok. It spans several kilometres and serves thousands of vehicles daily, making it an essential part of the city’s transport network.

The tollway company has pledged to continue providing updates and information to help commuters manage the transition smoothly, reported KhaoSod.