Regarding the proposal to reduce BOT fees, the reporter had an interview with Traffic Expert, Dr. Phan Le Binh - who has a lot of experience in road fee policy.
PV: What do you think about the proposal to consider reducing BOT fees for civil servants working far away after the merger?
Mr. Phan Le Binh: This is a new requirement, a topic that we need to consider. From a market economy perspective, I do not see any basis for BOT investors to reduce BOT fees for civil servants working far away. Requiring BOT enterprises to reduce fees is not consistent with market principles.
Instead, the provincial People's Committees can support officials' travel, including road and bridge fees, fuel costs and vehicle wear and tear. This is a much more feasible option than exempting or reducing BOT fees for each group of subjects.
PV: Is there any similar experience abroad, sir?
Mr. Phan Le Binh: In foreign countries, there are few precedents for reducing BOT fees for civil servants because the context is very different. This is a special situation when Vietnam merges provinces. In some cases, officials still live in the old province but have to go to work in the new administrative center - a place dozens of kilometers away from their residence.
In the long term, some civil servants may move closer to their workplace to reduce travel time and costs. However, for those who still have to travel long distances, local authorities may arrange for public servants to be picked up and dropped off, although this may be difficult due to irregular working hours.
Another suggestion is to encourage civil servants to go to work in groups, with relatively similar travel times. Carpooling not only reduces costs but also reduces environmental emissions and increases vehicle efficiency – a green and sustainable solution.
PV: Thank you!
Source: https://baolaocai.vn/chuyen-gia-chua-co-co-so-de-giam-phi-bot-cho-cong-chuc-di-lam-xa-post648609.html
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