Traffic jams in Bangkok cost the economy 11 billion baht a year in lost opportunities while people spent 35 minutes more commuting in the capital this year that they did last year, according to a study. People also opted for faster transport modes such as mass transit, motorcycle taxis and the expressway. Second, the jams resulted in a higher energy cost to 6 billion baht a year, shouldered solely by commuters. But from a wider perspective, it is not a zero-sum effect because energy businesses stand to gain from the change. Third, the traffic jams also accelerate the need for infrastructure investment, which will add new money to the economy and benefit both businesses and people.

Source: Bangkok Post September 10, 2016 11:15 UTC