200 new electric buses will be in service in the Thai capital
The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority will partner with private companies to run over 200 electric buses to increase capacity so it can transport up to a million people each day. The new electric buses are also part of the city’s efforts to upgrade its old bus services and reduce Bangkok’s overall carbon footprint.
The new electric bus system will rapidly fill the gaps in the regularly scheduled services for commuters and, over time, lower air pollution around the Thai capital.
The contract will be for a 2 year period and will be outsourced to private companies. The first round of services will begin later this year in November with 90 new electric buses.
It will run along a number of important routes, such as from the new Bang Sue Grand Station and the Queen Sirikit Convention Centre.
The BMTA says it doesn’t have the cash to afford new buses to upgrade its operations, but will be able to partner with private companies to provide the new services around the city.
Bus shortages have been a problem for the BMTA, forcing commuters to experience lengthy delays.
With increasing fuel costs, the number of commuters increased as well, climbing from 600,000 to 700,000+ per day.
The BMTA estimates that it will need to add 224 electric buses due to the increase in demand.
The State Enterprise Policy Office and the cabinet need to authorise the rehabilitation plan as the problem needs a quick fix.
Currently, 2,885 public buses are running on 107 routes, making 17,000 trips every day. The BMTA will increase the number of trips each day to 19,000 rides.
SOURCE: Bangkok Post
