The Transport Ministry on Thursday gave the green light for a 15-baht toll hike for the full length of the outbound route of the Don Muang tollway.
Transport Minister Prajin Juntong approved the increase for the Uttaraphimuk Elevated Tollway, from Din Daeng to Don Muang and the National Memorial Monument. The new toll rate will take effect on Dec 22.
The toll for the Din Daeng-Don Muang section will be raised by 10 baht while the Don Muang-National Memorial Monument route rate will rise by 5 baht, bringing it to 15 baht in total.
ACM Prajin said the toll increase for Don Muang Tollway Plc was implemented according to concession agreement No.3/2550 which the ministry could not oppose.
The fee for the outbound route between Din Daeng and Don Muang will rise from 60 to 70 baht for four-wheel vehicles and from 90 to 100 baht for bigger vehicles; while between Don Muang and the National Memorial Monument it will increase from 25 to 30 baht for four-wheel cars and vans and 35 to 40 baht for larger vehicles.
Car drivers will have to pay 100 baht, up from 85 baht, while drivers of bigger vehicles will pay 140 baht, up from 125 baht, to use the entire outbound route.
The fee for the inbound route between the National Memorial Monument and Din Daeng will go up from 85 to 100 baht for four-wheel cars and vans and from 125 to 140 baht for bigger vehicles; while between Don Muang and Din Daeng it will rise from 60 to 70 baht for four-wheelers and from 90 to 100 baht for bigger vehicles.
A maximum toll of 100 baht will be collected from drivers of four-wheel vehicles and 140 baht from other types of vehicle for the entire inbound route.
Meanwhile, ACM Prajin yesterday said he had insisted on an increase in taxi fares as some groups opposed the move while taxi drivers had demanded a 20% hike.
However, the increase will only be 13%, he said. One study had found the hike was necessary to help operators cope with rising costs. The increase will be divided into two phases, with the first 8% increase effective on Dec 1, 2014 and the next 5% will be enforced six months later.