Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand isset to open three new “smart” piers on the Chao Phraya River this year to help reduce traffic problems and offer improved transport linksbetween road, rail, and river.
The Rama VII Pier, Tha Tian Pier, and Kiakkai Pierwill be upgraded to become smart piers this year, deputy spokeswoman of the Thai Government TipananSirichana said on January 30.
The government planned to upgrade 29 piers intosmart ones by 2025, at a cost of about 942 million THB (28.77 million USD). Theywill be equipped with real-time displays to inform commuters of boat arrivaltimes. The facilities will also have free WiFi and mobile-phone chargingstations, with a design that offers support for wheelchair users.
The smart piers will have a landmark-worthyaesthetic and will connect to other transport platforms, she said, adding thatthey will also accept digital payments, including prepaid cards and mobilepayments.
Six smart piers at Sathon, Memorial Bridge (SaphanPhut), Tha Chang, Nonthaburi, Phayap, and the Marine Department have beenopened since 2019 - 2021. Two others, Bang Pho and Rajinee, havefinished their upgrades during the past 12 months.
The Thai Government expects the number of boatcommuters will increase to 53,000 per day in 2027, two years after the plan iscompleted, according to the official./.
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