Bangkok: Siripong Angkasakulkiat, Deputy Minister of Transport, has emphasized the urgent need to transition seven categories of public transport vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) to curtail oil imports, stabilize fares, enhance safety, and promote cleaner transportation. This move aims to alleviate the public burden stemming from the energy crisis.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Siripong addressed the House of Representatives, highlighting the necessity of the Ministry of Transport's project amidst the ongoing oil crisis. Oil remains a major cost component in the transport sector, affecting both passenger travel expenses and the prices of goods. With the Prime Minister's directive to freeze fares, the Ministry seeks to prevent energy cost transfers from impacting the cost of living excessively.
Despite fare freezes, the reliance on oil for many public transportation services makes them vulnerable to global oil price fluctuations. A swift shift to clean energy, particularly EVs, is therefore deemed essential. Mr. Siripong outlined the Ministry's proposal to transition seven groups of public transport vehicles, including taxis, hired cars, type 18 buses, public motorcycles, hired tuk-tuks, regular buses, non-regular buses, school buses, and trucks to EVs. This initiative is expected to incur additional costs for the public.
Mr. Siripong noted that the BMTA buses already have a plan with budget allocations for 1,520 vehicles, with the first batch expected by March 2027. A budget request for 2028 will follow, negating the need for loan funds at present. Urgent replacements are required for 29,000 taxis nearing service life end by 2029, 259 nine-year-old type 18 buses, 68,000 public motorcycles over 10 years old, and 15,000 hired tuk-tuks over 10 years old.
Additionally, there are 6,200 buses aged 30 years or older, 1,300 buses expiring between 2026-2027, 5,300 minibuses over 30 years old, approximately 11,000 non-regular buses, over 4,700 school buses, and 497,000 trucks in need of upgrades.
Mr. Siripong highlighted that 50% project participation could cut carbon emissions by 244,000 tons annually, equating to planting 11 million trees. Full participation could equate to planting 19 million trees yearly and reduce oil consumption by 212 million liters annually.
The policy also aims to enhance passenger safety, as many current vehicles use outdated technology lacking modern safety standards. Transitioning to EVs will reduce costs, decrease pollution, and improve transport service quality. Mr. Siripong assured that the project funds are not allocated for infrastructure but to assist citizens and businesses during the energy shift, emphasizing the voluntary nature of participation.
Mr. Siripong urged support for the emergency decree, citing the need to reduce oil dependency, stabilize fares, upgrade public transport, and address energy issues, ultimately benefiting quality of life, the environment, cost of living, and the country's energy sustainability.