Bangkok buses introduce new safety measures for NGV fleet

Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) announced a new safety initiative for all its buses, particularly those running on natural gas (NGV). The directive, emphasised by Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote, aims to elevate safety standards across the board.

BMTA Director Kittikarn Jomduang Jaruwanpolkul revealed that the organisation operates a fleet of 809 NGV buses. This includes 486 blue air-conditioned low-floor NGV buses and 323 orange air-conditioned Euro II NGV buses. To ensure the utmost safety, BMTA outlined comprehensive safety measures to be enacted in the event of a fire on any of their buses.

BMTA’s safety protocols start with regular inspections and maintenance of all buses to ensure they meet the required standards. Each bus undergoes thorough checks to guarantee that essential safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, emergency exits, front and rear doors, and window-breaking hammers, are in perfect working condition. Additionally, the expiration dates and condition of gas cylinders are inspected regularly to ensure they are up to standard.

Bus staff, including drivers, fare collectors, and other relevant personnel, are required to participate in regular emergency response training. This training covers a wide range of scenarios, including assisting passengers during an incident, safely evacuating passengers from the bus, correctly using fire extinguishers and window-breaking hammers, and coordinating with emergency services such as hospitals and rescue teams, said Kittikarn.

“The safety of our passengers’ lives and property is of paramount importance. We have implemented a comprehensive plan to ensure that our staff are well-prepared to handle emergencies effectively.”

In the unfortunate event of injuries or fatalities, BMTA has a compensation and relief process in place. This includes coverage from the Protection for Motor Vehicle Accident Victims Act and additional automobile insurance that BMTA has secured for passenger protection.

To further reinforce their commitment to safety, BMTA has produced a training video simulating fire incidents on buses. This video serves both as a training tool for staff and a public information resource to demonstrate how to use emergency equipment on buses, thereby boosting passenger confidence in the public transport system.

By focusing on these stringent safety measures and ongoing training programmes, BMTA aims to assure passengers that their safety is the top priority. This initiative not only enhances the safety protocols of the existing fleet but also sets a precedent for future improvements in public transport safety standards, reported KhaoSod.