The ministry has never had a proper long-term strategy for any of its Skytrain and underground routes. This resulted in a reckless handout of concessions to certain train manufacturers and contractors that went on to monopolise the construction process, while the country suffers from overdependence on technological know-how from abroad.

The source noted that investment in public transport in countries such as Britain, France and even Singapore started from the big picture; for instance, how many routes were needed and where. When the plan becomes official, then the bidding begins in the order of importance.

Firms compete on the basis of who can offer the best technology for the right price. This is to prevent a monopoly.

These countries often have trained personnel, supported by various educational institutions, to work on the projects.

The BTS, the MRT and Airport Link are good examples in the past of investment without proper planning. Such short-sightedness enabled the German giant Siemens to monopolise the technology used in all three projects. This has created difficulty for any expansion of the network. The technology used must be consistent in all platforms.

"The state cannot rely on just one company. For example, if any piece of equipment in the Skytrain breaks down, they will have to send it to Siemens to fix, using Siemens staff, and Siemens is then free to set its own price," said a source within Bangkok Metro.

The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, the body responsible, has failed to present a long-term strategy for these projects, said the ministry source.

The ministry has previously studied only the feasibility of the routes and given no priority to development, for instance the training of technicians and the passing on of technology.

It has yet to decide which routes to build first, said Transport Minister Teera Haocharoen.

Watcharapong Thongrung

 The Nation