Another BRT delay on cards
Written by Writer on Tuesday, October 28th, 2008
Another BRT delay on cards
DSI wants to wait untilinquiries are complete
KING-OUA LAOHONG
Labourers work at a station of the much-delayed Bangkok Rapid Transport (BRT) project on Narathiwat road. The project is under investigation by the Department of Special Investigation for alleged bidding irregularities. SAROT MEKSOPHAWANNAKUL
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) says City Hall should suspend its Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) project until it concludes inquiries into alleged irregularities in the 300 million baht purchase of 45 buses.
The DSI received a complaint from former city clerk Khunying Nathanon Thavisin, who raised doubts about the project, suspecting the price was inflated and the terms of reference were unfair.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) bought a fleet of airconditioned buses costing almost seven million baht each to run on a specially built 16.5-kilometre route between Chong Nonsi and Ratchaphruek roads. The route is still under construction.
“I would like to ask the city to suspend the project because the initial information signals some non-transparency in the bidding,” the DSI’s chief for intellectual property Pol Col Prawet Mulpramuk, who leads the inquiry team, said yesterday.
The BRT is the brainchild of Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin. It is designed to serve as a feeder to other urban mass transit systems.
Mr Apirak, who has insisted the project is transparent, will be summoned to testify after the investigators question all officials involved in the bidding process, Pol Col Prawet said. The city’s director of transport has already been called to give information.
“If we find clear evidence of guilt, we will forward the case to the National Counter Corruption Commission for further action,” Pol Col Prawet said.
Khunying Nathanon alleges the buses are overpriced at almost seven million baht each, claiming the market price is four million baht.
Other suspicions include irregularities in the contract specifications for the buses, which were very specific in some aspects. She alleges they were written to favour certain companies and bar others from competing.
In addition, she claims the contract allowing the BMA’s commercial arm Krungthep Thanakom to operate the BRT project is suspect because the company had no experience in public transport matters.
The rapid bus project, with a total projected cost of 1.9 billion baht, has been postponed several times.
Traffic police complained it would worsen traffic congestion because the buses travel in the right hand lane.
Other critics question the selection of the route, saying the passenger demand does not justify the cost.
Bangkok Post
Tuesday October 28, 2008
