Thai expressways to have auto e-tolls

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Thai expressways to have auto e-tolls 
The Nation: 25 Aug 2009
Automatic toll-collecting system ready next year

In November, the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) will implement an automatic toll-collecting system using "Easy Pass" electronic cards, EXAT governor Lt-Colonel Thavisin Rakkatanyu said yesterday.

EXAT is negotiating with financial institutes to sell the cards online, besides by vendor machines or at tollgates, Thavisin says.

The system, namely the Electronic Toll Collection System (ETCS), would greatly reduce the traffic congestion problem because motorists, by placing the cards on their windshields, can pass through the tollgates without stopping or waiting in a long queue or spending time getting out cash to pay for toll fees.

The ETCS is being installed at expressway tollbooths and should be ready for service this year at the Chalerm Mahanakhon, Chalongrat, Ram Intra-Bangkok Outer Ring and Bang Plee-Suksawat expressways.
For the Phra Ram-Wat Salut Expressway, which witnesses severe traffic jams around tollgates, EXAT would consider building more conventional gates besides installing automatic ones for the new system there, he adds.

Bangkok Expressway has already installed the system at Srirat Expressway and it should be ready for service next year, Thavisin says.

The details of the Srirat-Bangkok Outer Ring Expressway Project, which aims to extend expressway services to western Bangkok, have been approved by EXAT's board and will soon be submitted to the Cabinet for consideration.

The Cabinet had on May 6 approved the project as part of the economic rehabilitation plan's Phase 2 to be implemented next year.